Dry Needling: What’s the Point?
Countless clients are left in two minds over the very notion of dry needling. Of course we can understand the hesitancy, but once given the whole picture, you’ll start wondering what you were ever panicking about. Gosforth Physio & Wellness is on a mission to rid the treatment of its undeserved reputation, using our latest blog to address (and dispel) those worrisome pre-treatment questions on the tip of your tongue.
How does it Help?
By inhibiting pain signals to your nervous system, dry needling serves as an extremely effective pain relief treatment. Whether you’re struggling with musculoskeletal pain, nerve irritation or even muscle spasms, this much-maligned treatment can transform your health for the better. From tennis elbow and achilles tendinitis to calf, neck or gluteal pain, there’s a whole range of injuries begging to be relieved by this overlooked remedy. What’s more, the calming effect induced by the dry needling also treats headaches and migraines. You see, you simply can’t judge a book by its cover.
Does it Hurt?
Frankly, we would be lying to you if we said it didn’t: the old saying, ‘no pain, no gain’ really rings true here. When receiving treatment, patients may have a local twitch response lasting just a second or two, or experience a dull ache or heaviness around the treatment area. This shouldn’t cause alarm. Rather, these brief bodily responses indicate that the dry needling is having the desired effect on your nervous system’s signals. Up to 24 hours post treatment, the area may continue to feel stiff, heavy or sore. One common misconception is that the process is similar to receiving a medical injection. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, as the needle itself is very thin, most patients don’t even feel the insertion.
Does it Differ from Acupuncture?
Although similar to acupuncture, there are some key differences that could make all the difference to your treatment outcome. Acupuncture is rooted in ancient Eastern medicine which rejects elements of modern science. Working to target purported energy sources in the body called ‘acupoints’, this theory does not correlate with modern understandings of human anatomy. In contrast, dry needling specifically hones in on the areas of the body most responsive to treatment. Put those dry needling worries to rest and call our Newcastle Physiotherapist on 0191 284 9111. Alternatively, browse our range of services and treatments online today.
