Dry Needling

Why we use Dry Needling

At Barefoot Physiotherapy we utilise a variety of techniques to help reduce pain and decrease muscle tightness. One of these techniques is called Dry Needling.

Why we choose Dry Needling?

It has numerous positive immune effects:

  1. It helps stimulate local endorphin release (which helps relieve pain) and it can increase blood flow to the symptomatic area.
  2. It has a pain gating mechanism – which essentially helps to introduce a new sensation to a painful area, over riding the original painful stimulus.
  3. Increased levels of white blood cell activity which helps stimulate the production of antibodies to improve function in inured areas.

Trigger Points

Dry Needling also helps to ‘break up’ trigger points. Trigger points can be tight/ tender spots in your muscles which can feel like a knot or ropey band to touch.  In order to improve the function of muscles it is important they are operating at their best length/ strength and power. We can use dry needling to help release these trigger points through a process of encouraging calcium re-uptake.  

  1. Our Muscles have two types of filaments which allow them to contract and relax with movement.
  2. Calcium is released on contraction and then there is a re-uptake component to help the muscle relax.
  3. If the calcium is not properly reabsorbed in the process it can cause a trigger point to form.
  4. Needling into the trigger points helps to reset this process and allow the calcium process to restart, therefore releasing the trigger point.

Is Dry Needling safe?

Dry needling is a very safe procedure when completed by an experienced therapist who will always be sure there are no contraindications to using the technique with a client. At Barefoot we have undergone high level specific dry needling training and continue to refine our skills in constant training sessions.

As a general guide for you on what you can expect Dry Needling shouldn’t have a sustained sharpness or stingy sensation but it can and should feel dull, achy, grabby or warm.  After a session of needling your muscles may feel a bit sore and it is advised you avoid any intense physical activity in the first 24hrs to help them continue to relax.

If you have any further questions about Dry Needling make sure to ask your Physiotherapist and we will be happy to answer any of your queries.  Please call us at 1300 842 850 or Click here to book an appointment.

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