What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which the use of a fine filament needle is used to de- activate trigger points. It involves multiple advances of the needle into a trigger point, aiming to induce a local twitch response resulting in a reduction in the patient’s symptoms and relieving muscle tension and pain.
Dry needling can effectively treat muscle tightness, shin splints, heel pain, hamstring injuries and other sporting injuries. Dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research and is increasingly used to manage musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Dry needling is a safe form of acupuncture that qualified podiatrists can only perform with expert training.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle and report that the treatment is painless. The local twitch response elicits a brief (less than a second) uncomfortable response. Some patients describe this as a little electrical shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation. Again, the therapeutic response occurs with the elicitation of local twitch responses, which is a good and desirable reaction.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes, we only use sterile, single use, disposable needles.
What side effects can I expect after the treatment?
Mild soreness is common after the treatment, is reported by some patients. The soreness is described as muscle soreness over the area treated and into the areas of referred symptoms. Typically, the soreness lasts between a few hours and two days, but be assured this is usually only very minor.
What should I do after dry needling treatment?
Our recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment. This may include applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches and modifications of activities or analgesic medications such as paracetamol.
How long does it take for the Dry needling to be effective?
Typically, improvement in symptoms is reported after the initial treatment, although it may take several visits for injury resolution to take place. Dry Needling causes mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to achieve a certain threshold, after which the pain cycle is altered.
I am not comfortable with needles. Do I have to have Dry Needling?
Of course not. Dry Needling is only one of many soft tissue treatment modalities we have on offer at Highett Podiatry. Your treatment plan will be discussed, and your input and choices will be encouraged by us.
