Targeted Needle Therapy

BELFAST PHYSIO MASSAGE CLINIC

minutes

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60 to 90 minutes.

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Open from Monday to Saturdays and some Sundays

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What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapy designed to relieve pain and improve muscle function by inserting thin, solid needles into specific points in your muscles or soft tissues. Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern Western anatomy and science. It can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including:

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DRY NEEDLING OR ACUPUNCTURE?

It’s important to note that while dry needling and acupuncture both involve the use of needles, they differ in their theoretical frameworks and intended outcomes. Dry needling focuses on targeting specific muscular issues, while acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the flow of energy (Qi) along meridians in the body.

How Dry Needling Happens?

1. Identification: Locate trigger points causing pain and dysfunction in muscles.

2. Needle Insertion: Precisely insert thin, sterile needles into targeted muscles or tissues.

3. Stimulation: Stimulate trigger points to address muscle tension and promote therapeutic effects.

4. Twitch Response: Elicit local twitch response for tension release and improved blood flow.

5. Pain Relief & Function: Achieve pain reduction, improved range of motion, and enhanced muscle function.

6. Integration: Integrate dry needling into broader treatment plans for musculoskeletal issues.

7. Safety: Ensure safe application by trained and licensed healthcare professionals, with consideration of potential side effects like temporary soreness.

How Dry Needling Helps

1. Inserting the Needle

The needle itself creates a tiny, controlled injury to the muscle. This injury triggers the body’s natural healing process, which leads to increased blood flow to the area.

2. Twitch Response

The needle insertion causes a local twitch response, which is the muscle’s reflexive reaction to the stimulus. This twitch helps release tight muscle bands by resetting the muscle’s contraction and relaxation patterns.

3. Breaking the Pain Cycle

The local twitch response disrupts the tightness and reduces irritation in the surrounding nerves, helping to break the pain cycle that these trigger points can create.

4. Increased Blood Flow

After the twitch response, blood flow increases in the area, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients while helping to remove waste products like lactic acid. This promotes healing and reduces inflammation.

5. Restoring Function

With the release of tension and improved circulation, the muscle relaxes and returns to a normal state, leading to reduced pain, improved flexibility, and better overall muscle function.

Benefits of Dry Needling

The benefits of dry needling include targeted pain relief by addressing trigger points, effectively reducing discomfort. It also helps improve overall muscle function and movement, making it a valuable technique for those dealing with muscle-related issues.

Dry needling increases flexibility by enhancing the range of motion in the treated muscles. It releases muscle tension through local twitch responses, which help relax tight muscles and restore normal function.

This technique integrates well with other therapeutic approaches, making it a complementary treatment option for various conditions. It is particularly effective in managing chronic pain, sports injuries, and muscle tightness.

When performed by trained professionals, dry needling is minimally invasive, causing minimal discomfort and having minimal side effects. Most clients experience quick recovery, with rapid relief and noticeable improvement in their symptoms.

Eligibility and Preparation for Dry Needling

Before beginning dry needling, your therapist will review your health history and any muscle tension or pain concerns. This ensures that the treatment is both safe and tailored to your needs. The process includes the following steps:

Intake Review and Assessment:

Your therapist will carefully review the intake form you submitted online and conduct a thorough assessment to pinpoint areas of muscle tension, pain, and dysfunction.

Diagnosis:

Using the assessment, your therapist will identify specific trigger points or problem areas to determine whether dry needling is the proper treatment for your condition.

Informed Consent:

Before proceeding, your therapist will walk you through the dry needling process, explaining the benefits, potential risks, and expected outcomes to ensure you're fully informed and comfortable.

Personalised Treatment Plan

A tailored treatment plan will be created just for you, outlining the areas to be treated, session frequency, and any complementary therapies. Post-treatment care advice will also be provided to help you maximize the benefits and maintain progress.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Dry needling is not recommended for those with bleeding disorders, infections, pregnancy, recent surgeries, uncontrolled diabetes, or epilepsy. It should also be avoided near major organs or if you have a needle phobia, acute illness, or fever.