Dry Needling as a tool for muscular pain relief
By Osteopath Gemma Ahrens
Muscle pain can be debilitating, affecting our daily routines and diminishing our quality of life. Osteopathic treatment may be beneficial to relieving symptoms of muscle pain and one technique that can be particularly useful is dry needling. But what exactly is this practice, and how does it alleviate muscle pain?
Dry needling involves the insertion of fine needles into specific trigger points within muscles, tendons and ligaments. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is a Western medicine technique primarily focused on releasing tension and targeting myofascial trigger points.
The process might sound intimidating, but the needles used in dry needling are extremely thin, minimising discomfort during insertion. Once the needles reach the targeted areas, they stimulate the trigger points, promoting muscle relaxation and increasing blood flow to the affected regions. This, in turn, helps in reducing pain and improving mobility.
The use of dry needling coupled with other osteopathic techniques may help to increase flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance range of motion. This technique may be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, neck stiffness, headaches, or sports-related injuries.
It is crucial to note that while dry needling can be remarkably effective for many, individual responses to the treatment may vary. If your Osteopath believes that dry needling would benefit you during your treatment, they will first gauge how you feel about dry needling, talk you through the process and only proceed if you are comfortable.
Dry needling stands as a promising therapeutic approach for managing muscle pain and promoting overall musculoskeletal health. Its targeted method of addressing trigger points within muscles may provide relief from pain and improvement in mobility, making it a valuable tool in osteopathic treatment.
All of our Osteopaths at Integrated Sports and Spinal are qualified in dry needling techniques. Ask your Osteopath if dry needling may be beneficial to treat your aches and pains at your next appointment. You can call us on 0425 876 929 or book online using the below link.
