Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle.

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The practitioner uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate a trigger point in an overactive muscle.  This muscle should respond with a twitch and this relaxes the trigger point and therefor releases tension, pain, pressure, and/or inflammation.

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Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

Both dry needling and acupuncture involve the insertion of thin needles into specific parts of the body, based on clinical reasoning, but this is where the similarities end.

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Acupuncture is founded on the traditional Chinese medicine belief “that our health is determined by a balanced flow of ‘chi’.   

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“Acupuncture is using acupuncture needles and inserting them into meridian points of the body to unblock the flow of chi in the body.   Dry needling is used as a modern treatment that uses acupuncture needles and inserts them into the trigger points of a muscle in order to release that muscle.

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What are the benefits of dry needling?

More people are turning towards this practice because there are multiple benefits:

• Reduce pain

• Decrease muscle spams or tension

• Relax tight muscles

• Activation of muscles

• Improve muscle contraction 

• Improve range of movement

• improve blood and oxygen circulation

• Can help with other treatment techniques

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Is it safe?

Understandably, it can be daunting to thinking about the physicality of dry needling. Just the word “needle” can scare people away; but, in reality, it is generally quite safe.

 

At Wow Sport Therapy we have been trained to perform dry needling under an approved governing body and have received the certification and licensing which prove we have satisfied the requirements to be able to practice safely.  

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However, there are certain factors to take into consideration.  We will ask about your medical history, condition, personal pain threshold, and past experiences with needles.

This way, we can evaluate the risks, specific to your case.n

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Will dry needling hurt?

As the muscle reacts to the needle, you may feel a little pain or discomfort which we describe as an  electrical shock-type feeling when it hits the trigger point.

We always want you to feel relaxed and sage during the procedure and will ask you to let us know how you are feeling. Remember if you feel okay, then keep going. If not, then that’s okay too—you can stop at any time. We will never perform this treatment without your consent.

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How often do I need dry needling?

The answer to this varies depending on your condition. 

If you are still feeling sore from previous sessions though, then it is best to wait until these effects have subsided for your next one.

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Is it just dry needling that is used?

We do not use this as a standalone therapy tool but as part of a larger treatment plan and massages. 

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Can I train or exercise after Dry Needling?

We recommend avoiding strenuous or high impact activities immediately after dry needling, to allow the body time to recover, and to maximise the benefits of the treatment.

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At Wow Sport Therapy, we are qualified and skilled in dry needling and are be happy to discuss your treatment options.

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