Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a thin filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a trigger point, this causes the muscle to spasm and reset, which can assist in reducing soreness and tightness. This has found to be an extremely efficient and long-lasting method of treatment for soreness and muscle pain.

It is mostly used by sports therapists and physiotherapists and can be used as a part of your treatment, upon consultation with your physio.

How does Dry Needling works?

Dry needling relaxes contracted and sore muscles or “knots” by causing a spasm or “twitch” which sends the appropriate feedback to the muscle to inhibit or stop its spasm. This should soothe and repair the muscle or tissue, and has been found to have lasting results.

Physiotherapists City Physio only use single-use, disposable needles.

Is it painful?

Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle. There can be a “twitch” which is the desired outcome and is what leads to muscle repair. Some patients describe this as a little electrical shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation.

Side effects are rare if any there will be some mild soreness in the area for up to a couple of days.

Typically, it takes several visits for a positive reaction to take place. After this the imbalance or dysfunction which has been corrected will often stay that way, however with day to day stresses to the musculoskeletal system, the symptoms may come back. If they do, occasional sessions may be recommended.