Dry Needling

Dry needling is a popular therapy offered by a number of our Osteopaths at Gateway.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment that uses fine filament needles into trigger points.  Trigger points or muscle knots are sore and sensitive areas of soft tissue.  When muscles develop trigger points, nerves that supply these muscles become over active causing tension in surrounding blood vessels, joints and soft tissues. 

Dry needles are used to release these trigger points, which in turn aims to relax the muscles to improve nerve conduction and blood supply.  The intention is to reduce muscle pain and spasm, improve joint range of motion, and therefore improve overall musculoskeletal function.

When is Dry Needling used?

Dry Needling may be used for a number of conditions.  After consultation with an Osteopath or Myotherapist, your practitioner will determine whether Dry Needling is suitable for you.  You will discuss and the risks and benefits of this treatment approach and will be asked to read and sign a seperate consent form for Dry Needling.   

In our experience trigger points tend to develop in muscles secondary to:

• • Stress and slumping postures that are often associated with stress.
  • Repetitive activities or movements often related to both work or hobbies.
  • Sustained desk postures with inadequate movement or stretching throughout the day.
  • Sporting activities

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Patients report feelings that range from nothing to a mild cramping sensation from a twitch response.  It is rare that patients report pain with this type of treatment.  Many patients report feeling an immediate improvement of their symptoms.  The response will always vary from individual to individual.

Not all practitioners perform Dry Needling, please contact reception if this is a service you are specifically seeking.