Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points within tight or knotted muscles, also known as trigger points. These trigger points can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. By stimulating these areas with needles, we can release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in modern medical science and focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues directly.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

When muscles become tight or irritated, they can develop painful trigger points, which may contribute to overall muscle dysfunction. These trigger points can cause localized pain or refer pain to other areas of the body. By inserting a needle into the trigger point, Dr. Jack stimulates a muscle response, causing it to contract and then relax. This process releases built-up tension, reduces pain, and restores normal muscle function.

The body’s natural healing response is also activated, increasing blood circulation and promoting faster recovery in the affected area.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

Dry needling is highly effective for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Chronic Muscle Pain
  Persistent muscle pain, often caused by trigger points, can be significantly reduced through dry needling by releasing muscle tension.

• Back and Neck Pain
  Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and lower back often contribute to pain. Dry needling can relax these muscles and alleviate discomfort.

• Headaches and Migraines
  Tension headaches, often linked to tight muscles in the neck and upper back, can be relieved through dry needling.

• Sports Injuries
  Muscle strains, overuse injuries, and other sports-related conditions benefit from dry needling to reduce recovery time and improve performance.

• Joint Pain
  Conditions like knee, hip, and shoulder pain caused by muscular imbalances or trigger points can be effectively treated with dry needling.

• Tendonitis
  Dry needling can relieve muscle tension contributing to conditions like tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Benefits of Dry Needling

• Immediate Pain Relief
  Many patients experience a significant reduction in pain and muscle tightness immediately after treatment.

• Increased Range of Motion
  By releasing tight muscles, dry needling can restore flexibility and improve your overall mobility.

• Accelerated Healing
  Dry needling promotes blood flow and healing to the affected area, speeding up recovery from injuries.

• Complementary to Other Treatments
  Dry needling can be used alongside chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, and other therapies to provide comprehensive care.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

During your dry needling session at Flow Chiropractic, Dr. Jack will first assess the areas causing pain or dysfunction. After identifying the trigger points, thin, sterile needles are inserted directly into the muscle. You may feel a brief sensation of discomfort or twitching as the muscle responds to the needle, followed by a feeling of relief as the muscle relaxes.

The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and any post-treatment soreness is usually mild and short-lived.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

Dry needling is suitable for a wide range of patients, from athletes to office workers, and is especially helpful for those suffering from chronic pain or muscle tightness. Dr. Jack will evaluate your condition to determine if dry needling is the right treatment for you as part of your overall chiropractic care plan.

Book a Dry Needling Session at Flow Chiropractic

Experience the benefits of dry needling and relieve your pain and muscle tension at Flow Chiropractic. Our expert care and holistic approach ensure that you receive the best possible treatment to meet your health and wellness goals.

jack@flowchiropractic.co.uk