What types of problems or injury can it help with?

Dry needling can assist with many problems including:

Back and neck pain

Headaches

Jaw pain

Hip, knee, ankle or foot problems

Dry needling can help assist sporting performance where this may be affected by the development of trigger points in the muscles. This often occurs when training heavily or as the amount of training increases. In combination with other physiotherapy techniques, dry needling can help to reduce any tightness and pain which may develop, allowing the musculoskeletal system to work to its optimum level.

How is it performed?

Once a trigger point is located, a single fine sterile acupuncture needle is gently inserted. Initially the soft tissue surrounding the needle tightens. This is followed shortly after by a relaxation of this tissue. This may result in the relief of pain.

Depending on examination findings, one single or several needles may be required.

How does it work?

Dry needling is thought to be an effective method of pain relief as it:

Causes a “de-activation” of trigger points, thus reducing muscle tightness and pain

Causes a physiological change in the mechanism by which the brain receives pain signals

Causes a release of neuropeptide chemicals (such as endorphins) from the brain, resulting in a reduction in pain and an improved feeling of well-being

Influences the function of the sympathetic nervous system

How does this differ from traditional Chinese acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses a series of pre-determined acupuncture points to treat various ailments. These include problems affecting the musculoskeletal system as well as to problems with the internal organs.

At Montrose Physiotherapy, we specialise in treating problems affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Dry needling acupuncture uses the same types of needles and the same technique of needle insertion as traditional Chinese acupuncture. The major difference is that the points where the needles are inserted vary according to each patient’s problems and examination findings. This generally requires fewer needles than traditional Chinese acupuncture.

How many sessions will it take?

This is extremely variable. It depends on the area of pain and its cause.
It also depends on how long the trigger points have been “active”. Longer standing problems may offer more of a challenge and usually take more treatments.

At Montrose Physiotherapy, we use the dry needling technique where appropriate as part of an overall comprehensive physiotherapy treatment. Other physiotherapy techniques including joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, stretching, and exercises are usually conducted within the same treatment session to maximise the benefits for each patient.