What is dry needling?
Dry Needling is a technique used to relieve tension in overworked muscles and improve muscle tissue quality. It is the technique of releasing myofascial trigger points using fine, sterile needles (similar to acupuncture needles) that work locally and directly.
Our Bondi Junction podiatrist is qualified to perform this dry needling technique in our Sydney clinic and it is used in the treatment of muscle-related disorders and pain. Dry needling is commonly used by podiatrists for the treatment of calf pain and tight leg muscles. This treatment can be performed after a biomechanical assessment is performed to determine the suitability of dry needling for your foot and leg pain.
Is there a difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
Dry Needling is different from acupuncture, although the two techniques have similarities in their application. Dry Needling and acupuncture differ in their theory behind how the technique works and the location where the needles are inserted.
Dry Needling aims to improve function and pain through the relaxation of myofascial trigger points. Our Sydney podiatry clinic expertly applies dry needling to trigger points in the leg and foot.
However, acupuncture is related to the treatment of medical conditions by restoring the flow of energy or Qi through precise points in the body related to organs to regain balance.
What is the goal of Dry Needling?
Dry Needling treatment can be used to:
Release myofascial trigger points (muscle knots)
Help with pain management
Regain movement
What is a Myofascial Trigger Point?
Myofascial Trigger points are muscle knots along taut bands within muscles that can result in pain and discomfort. These myofascial trigger points can result in a pattern of pain specific to that muscle, they are tender to palpate and can prevent the full lengthening of the muscle. With leg pain, we often see tight calf muscles which have myofascial trigger points which reduce the flexibility of that muscle, after treatment with Dry Needling on the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles we tend to see an increase in the range of motion of that muscle in most patients.
What Causes a Myofascial Trigger Point?
Trigger points can be caused by:
Direct trauma to the muscle
Prolonged protective functioning of muscle and protective function not releasing when no longer needed
Biomechanical stress
Overuse/overload
Nutritional/metabolic imbalances may increase the severity of the condition
How does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling works by inserting fine needles into tender taut bands in muscles into myofascial trigger points, the needle will cause the relaxation of muscle constriction in that band and its associated symptoms. This technique is known as dry needling.
The effects include the promotion of local healing, and the reduction of pain, and is effectively used to inactivate myofascial trigger points and tightness.
Our expert Bondi Junction podiatrist will locate the tender trigger points in the muscles for needling. Mobilization is used in conjunction with needling.
The more severe the pain presentation the more likely you will be to require follow-up needling sessions to fully release all the involved triggers.
When is Dry Needling Indicated as a Form of Treatment?
Dry needling is indicated as a form of treatment for many conditions to reduce pain and improve function.
Dry needling or trigger point therapy is combined with manual therapies, exercises, and orthotic therapy to help you achieve your treatment goals and improve your foot health.
Are there any side effects of Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a low-risk treatment option. Some patients may experience minor bleeding, which will likely respond to pressure at the site. Very few patients experience a hematoma, usually bruising, which will usually disappear after a few days.
Some people may experience anxiety due to needles and some dizziness, lying down during treatment reduces this risk.
How safe is dry needling?
Yes, dry needling is safe and low-risk, our Sydney podiatrist will evaluate each patient prior to treatment to assess suitability. All needles will be sterilized, single-use, disposable, stainless steel needles of fine diameter.
What will you feel with dry needling?
During a Dry Needling treatment, you may feel a minor sting as the needle is inserted and removed. However, this discomfort will be brief.
A quick muscle twitch may also be experienced during a dry needling session as the needle is inserted into a trigger point.
When is it suitable to Use Dry Needling as a Form of Treatment?
Dry Needling can be used in treatment:
● to help release trigger points (muscle knots)
● to assist with pain management
● to restore movement by releasing trigger points
At Bondi Podiatry we can use dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan in our Sydney podiatry clinic to promote healing and encourage foot and leg function.
