Dry needling is one of the most popular services offered at Freedom Sports Medicine. Designed to reduce muscular pain and increase your range of motion, this therapy can be used to treat sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
If you believe you could benefit from dry needling, we encourage you to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists in Ringwood to discuss your concerns and the root cause of your issue. In the meantime, our team has put together a list of frequently asked questions that will hopefully help you understand a little more about this popular treatment option.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a treatment designed to ease muscular pain. It involves the use of thin filament needles, which are inserted into trigger points and aim to relieve tension, stimulate blood flow, and reduce localised pain.
Dry needling can help restore your range of motion and improve mobility. It is one of the many services offered by the team at Freedom Sports Medicine.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
This is one of the most common questions people have about dry needling and the answer is no — dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. The two procedures are similar but there are a few fundamental differences between them.
Both dry needling and acupuncture involve the use of very fine needles inserted into the body. While dry needling aims to target specific muscular hot spots, acupuncture aims to restore the flow of chi throughout the body. In ancient Chinese religions, chi is seen to be a vital life force. It is an ancient practise that is utilised to target a variety of conditions.
Does dry needling hurt?
Many people assume that dry needling is quite painful, given that you are inserted with a number of needles.While you may experience some localised soreness, the procedure is not inherently painful. The needles used are very thin and the sensation is nothing like an injection.
What conditions can dry needling help with?
Dry needling can be used to manage symptoms associated with a broad range of conditions, from tendinitis to joint problems.
Dry needling is most commonly used to either relieve pain or restore movement. Conditions associated with these two symptoms include:
- Migraine and tension headaches
- Jaw and mouth problems
- Repetitive motion disorders — like carpal tunnel syndrome, for example
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Sports injuries
- Joint problems
- Arthritis
- Back pain
How many sessions of dry needling will be required?
The answer to this question really depends on your diagnosis. For some patients, only one session of dry needling will be required. For others suffering from an ongoing disease or condition, like arthritis, dry needling may be recommended as part of an ongoing treatment plan.
Dry needling is usually most effective when utilised as part of a broader strategy, alongside strength and mobility exercises. The number of dry needling sessions a physiotherapist in Ringwood recommends may depend on what other therapies you are using to help manage your condition.
Who can perform dry needling?
Dry needling is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by someone with suitable training. Doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, myotherapists, and osteopaths are all practitioners who are likely to possess the appropriate experience, knowledge and skills to perform dry needling.
At Freedom Sports Medicine, our experienced health care team can provide a wide range of treatment therapies, including dry needling. Our physiotherapists in Ringwood possess extensive qualifications and will be able to quickly determine whether dry needling is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Are there any risks associated with dry needling?
Serious side effects associated with dry needling are very rare. There are some fairly common symptoms you may experience post treatment, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Temporary soreness
Your physiotherapist will be able to provide more tailored advice about potential risks, taking into account your medical history and any pre-existing health conditions you have.
Does Freedom Sports Medicine offer dry needling?
Yes! Dry needling is one of the many therapies that Freedom Sports Medicine offers.
Our team of qualified and experienced physiotherapists in Melbourne will work with you to determine the root cause of your issue before putting together a tailored treatment plan. While we do treat sports injuries, our expertise extends far beyond this. We work with a broad range of patients to help manage everything from prenatal care to neurological conditions. Our services are comprehensive and we’re confident we’ll be able to get you back to living your best life.
For more information about dry needling or any other one of our services and treatment options or to book an appointment with a ‘physiotherapist near me,’ contact Freedom Sports Medicine today.
