Dry Needling on the Gold Coast:

Dry needling is an increasingly popular technique used for treating an array of muscular conditions because of injury, overuse or inadequate stretching. This form of treatment involves the insertion of small solid needles (like those used in acupuncture) into or around myofascial trigger points. The needles work by releasing the muscle and increasing blood flow to the area to promote tension release.

Our dry needling therapy services help treat common problems such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, sciatica and general dry needling massage for back and shoulder pain.

What is Dry Needling:

Dry needling is a technique that has been around since the 1940s however it has only really become popular since the early 2000’s. The technique involves using the same needles as acupuncture to target various myofascial trigger points around the body.

Dry needling can be completed with 2 types of needles. These being solid filiform needles or hollow-core hypodermic needles and can be very effective in treating various types of muscle pain. The trigger points targeted in this technique are defined as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule. Commonly we refer to these nodules as muscle knots and they are generally sensitive to touch.

What can be treated with dry needling?

Dry needling can benefit a large array of people on the Gold Coast and can be used to treat many different causes of muscle pain. If you’re not moving for much such as the demands of an office job then the process if remaining still for long periods can cause the trigger points discussed above. However, it’s not just those who aren’t active that can benefit from dry needling. Other examples include:

• Direct contact injuries to a muscle
• Sudden muscle strain injuries
• Tight restricted muscles from prolonged immobilisation or rest while recovering from an injury (i.e. A moonboot, cast or sling)
• Treating tight sore muscles that haven’t been used for a while

Dry needling can also help with treating referred pain. For example, some types of neck pain can be treated by alleviating tension in the muscles surrounding your shoulder or back. By using dry needling to these injured muscles can in turn offer relief in other parts of the body.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

Although dry needling and acupuncture sound and seem very similar, they are not the same. Acupuncture needles are slightly different to those used in dry needling and the technique behind both treatments is quite different.

Traditional acupuncture has Chinese origins and works by inserting needles into specific points all over the body. It’s theory is based on the principle of allowing a free flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body to treat pain.

Dry needling’s origins are more Western in background and utilises needles to target specific muscles that are causing your pain. The difference here is that the very thin needles are inserted deep into the muscle where the myofascial trigger points sit. Common responses from this technique include twitch responses which is when the muscle contracts and relaxes quickly.

Dry Needling at Medical on Miami on the Gold Coast  

If you’re suffering from muscle pain, injuries or restriction in movement then dry needling could be of benefit to you. Our experienced physiotherapists at Medical on Miami can assess your injuries and provide the appropriate treatment to get you back on track. By working with a qualified physiotherapist to experience dry needling, you can ensure that not only you’ll be in safe hands but they will also be able to teach you ways to avoid future injuries and stay pain-free.

Please contact the friendly team at Medical on Miami on 0755 765 832 to make your next physio appointment today or book online here.