The Physio Team of Sarah and Hilary are excited to now offer dry needling treatments to our clients!
Dry needling is a treatment technique where a small needle, similar to those used in acupuncture, is inserted through the skin into a trigger point in a muscle. A trigger point is a taut band of muscle tissue, also known as a “muscle knot”. The goal of this treatment is to reduce pain, tension, and help improve your flexibility and movement.
Although dry needling uses acupuncture needles, the techniques are quite different. With dry needling, only a single needle is inserted into a muscle, and once the trigger point has relaxed, the needle is promptly removed. Needles are never left in a client for extended periods during dry needling sessions.
There are multiple studies that demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of dry needling treatment. Dommerholt, Mayoral & Grobli (2006) have reported that dry needling can assist with the reduction of acute and chronic pain, and can provide a similar level of pain relief as injectable pain medications. Furthermore, when dry needling was accompanied by a gentle stretching and exercise program, the long-term effect on pain was significantly improved.
There are multiple conditions that can be treated with dry needling. Some of these include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Pnee pain
- Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
- Shoulder pain and stiffness
- Calf pain and night cramps
- Leg cramps
- Hip and glute pain
- Shin Splints
If dry needling is a treatment you’re interested in, please call or use our website to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists. During your appointment, a comprehensive assessment will be performed to determine if dry needling is a suitable technique for you. We’re happy to continue to expand our skillsets to provide the best possible care to our clients throughout their rehabilitation journeys.
-Hilary Veenstra, PT and Sarah Despatie, PT
References:
Jan Dommerholt, Orlando Mayoral del Moral & Christian Gröbli (2006) Trigger Point Dry Needling, Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 14:4, 70E-87E, DOI: 10.1179/jmt.2006.14.4.70E
