THE BENEFITS OF DRY NEEDLING: RELIEVING PAIN AND RESTORING MOBILITY
As physiotherapists, we strive to help individuals overcome pain and regain optimal mobility. In recent years, dry needling therapy has emerged as a valuable technique in our arsenal of treatment options. Let’s talk about the benefits of dry needling therapy in relieving pain and restoring mobility for people with musculoskeletal conditions.
Targeted Muscle Release
Dry needling therapy allows us to specifically target trigger points (commonly known as “knots” in your muscle) and tight muscles, enabling precise muscle release. By inserting thin needles into these areas, we can stimulate the muscle fibres, promote blood flow, and encourage the release of tension. This targeted approach effectively reduces muscle tightness, spasms, and associated pain, resulting in improved mobility. Some people prefer dry needling to massage treatment because the treatment effect happens much faster, the needle if often only put into the muscle for seconds.
Pain Relief and Neuromuscular Modulation
Dry needling treatment can help alleviate pain by positively affecting the nervous system. When the needles are inserted into trigger points, they stimulate sensory nerves, leading to the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving substances. Additionally, the needling process can modulate the activity of the motor nerves (nerve fibres that cause movement), restoring proper muscle activation patterns, improving function and reducing pain further.
Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
Muscle tightness and limited range of motion often accompany musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling therapy in Melbourne can effectively address these issues. By releasing tension in tight muscles and promoting muscle relaxation, it helps enhance flexibility and increase the range of motion. This, in turn, allows you to perform daily activities with greater ease and participate in rehabilitative exercises more effectively.
Complementary to Exercise and Hands-on Therapy
Dry needling therapy synergises well with other physiotherapy interventions. It can be integrated seamlessly with exercises, stretching programmes, and hands-on therapy techniques to enhance treatment outcomes. For example, after dry needling has released muscle tension, you can benefit from therapeutic exercises that retrain the muscles in their natural function and improve overall strength and stability.
Self-Management
Dry needling therapy empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment and self-management. Physiotherapists can teach patients self-trigger point release techniques using a small spikey massage ball or foam roller. This allows individuals to manage their symptoms at home and reduces their reliance on frequent clinic visits, providing a greater sense of control over their condition.
Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Care
Physiotherapists emphasise evidence-based practice, and dry needling therapy has been supported by a growing body of research. As healthcare professionals, we continuously update our knowledge and skills to provide the best care for our patients. By incorporating dry needling into our treatment approach, we can offer evidence-based solutions tailored to the individual needs and goals of our patients.
From a physiotherapist’s perspective, dry needling treatment offers significant benefits in relieving pain and restoring mobility for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Through targeted muscle release, pain relief, improved range of motion, and flexibility, this technique can make a positive impact on patients’ lives. By integrating dry needling in Melbourne with other physiotherapy interventions, we can optimise treatment outcomes and actively involve patients in their recovery journey. As physiotherapists, we embrace evidence-based practice and strive to provide patient-centred care, ensuring that each individual receives the most appropriate and effective treatments available, including dry needling therapy.
If ‘dry needling near me’ has been your recent search query, Hartwell Physio is here to help.
To book in for Dry Needling, call us on 9889 3903 or book ONLINE.
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