Dry needling (otherwise known as trigger-point dry needling) is where a fine needle or acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle. The needles are targeted at myofascial trigger points which are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle. The needles can be both inserted deep into muscular tissue or superficially.
A trigger point is a local point in the body which is sensitive to stimulation or irritation within a taut band of muscular tissue (otherwise referred to as a knot) which can cause general musculoskeletal pain when over stimulated.
When the needles are inserted into the trigger point that illicit muscular twitching and manually stimulates the needle anywhere between a few seconds to minutes which can assist in decreasing pain and can assist in having an increased ROM (range-of-motion).
Inserting an acupuncture-like needle into the trigger point relaxes the muscles, boosts blood flow, diminishes inflammation, and triggers a healing response. This treatment also improves nerve communication and activates the release of your body’s natural pain relievers.
Book an appointment with Physio Garth Van Der Merwe to feel the benefits today.
