Dry Needling in Melbourne at Keilor Road Physio
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we offer specialized dry needling services as part of our comprehensive physiotherapy treatment options. Whether you're located in Essendon, Niddrie, Keilor, Keilor East, Tullamarine or anywhere in Melbourne, we are committed to helping you relieve pain and restore mobility through expert care.
What Is dry needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where fine needles are inserted into specific points within a muscle, often referred to as "trigger points." These trigger points are hyper-irritable spots within the muscle, which can cause pain and restrict movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling is rooted in modern Western medicine, focusing on musculoskeletal issues such as muscle tension, pain, and injury rehabilitation (Dommerholt & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, 2013).
The goal of dry needling is to release or inactivate trigger points, relieve pain, and restore normal muscle function. This technique is particularly useful for treating conditions that involve muscle tightness, spasms, and chronic pain, helping to improve muscle flexibility and range of motion.
What conditions is dry needling used for?
Dry needling is effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Back and neck pain: Chronic or acute pain due to muscle tightness, poor posture, or injury.
Shoulder pain: Conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, or frozen shoulder.
Headaches and migraines: Tension headaches and migraines often originate from tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
Myofascial pain syndrome: A chronic condition affecting the fascia, the connective tissue that covers the muscles.
Tendinopathies: Tendon-related issues, such as Achilles tendinitis or tennis elbow.
Hip and knee pain: Including conditions like hip bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome, or patellofemoral pain.
Plantar fasciitis: Heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which may benefit from releasing tight calf muscles.
A systematic review by Kietrys et al. (2013) has demonstrated that dry needling can significantly reduce pain and disability in patients with upper-body myofascial pain, making it an effective part of a broader treatment plan for various musculoskeletal disorders.
What are the benefits of dry needling?
The benefits of dry needling extend beyond pain relief. Here’s how it can support your recovery:
Pain reduction: By targeting the source of muscle tightness or spasm, dry needling helps to reduce both acute and chronic pain.
Improved muscle function: Releasing tight muscles allows for improved function, flexibility, and range of motion, which is essential for optimal recovery from injury.
Enhanced healing: Dry needling stimulates blood flow to the treated area, promoting the healing of muscle tissues.
Reduction of muscle tension: It helps relieve muscle knots and spasms, making it particularly useful for patients dealing with stress-related muscle tension.
Increased mobility: Patients often experience an immediate improvement in range of motion after a session, making it beneficial for those with movement restrictions.
Faster recovery: Combining dry needling with other treatments like exercise therapy can accelerate recovery from sports injuries or chronic pain conditions.
Cagnie et al. (2013) found that dry needling effectively decreases muscle tightness and helps reduce pain in people suffering from chronic muscle tension or myofascial pain syndrome, supporting its use as a treatment for long-term pain relief.
Who is suitable for dry needling?
Most people suffering from muscle tightness, pain, or limited mobility can benefit from dry needling. It is suitable for:
Athletes: To address muscle tightness or sports-related injuries.
Office workers: For managing neck, shoulder, and back pain often caused by poor posture or long hours sitting.
Chronic pain sufferers: People dealing with long-term conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome.
Active individuals: Anyone experiencing muscle tightness, spasms, or discomfort related to overuse or strain.
However, dry needling may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, individuals with blood clotting disorders, or those with a history of needle phobia should consult their healthcare provider or physiotherapist before considering dry needling (Dommerholt & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, 2013).
Does dry needling hurt?
The sensation of dry needling can vary depending on the individual and the area being treated. Generally, most patients report minimal discomfort during the insertion of the needles. Once the needle reaches the trigger point, you may feel a mild muscle twitch, which is normal and indicates the muscle is responding to the treatment.
After a session, it's common to experience mild soreness or an achy feeling, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness. This typically lasts for 24-48 hours and can be managed with self-care strategies like light stretching or applying heat.
What are the risks of dry needling?
When performed by a trained and experienced physiotherapist, dry needling is a safe treatment. However, like any treatment, there are potential risks, including:
Temporary soreness: The treated muscles may feel sore for 24-48 hours after treatment.
Bruising: Minor bruising may occur, particularly in areas with more delicate tissues.
Fatigue: Some patients may feel tired after a session, especially if multiple areas are treated.
Dizziness or fainting: Rare, but some people may experience dizziness, especially if they are anxious about needles.
By following post-treatment care instructions, these side effects can be minimized (Gattie et al., 2017).
Self-care after a dry needling session
To ensure you get the most out of your dry needling treatment and to reduce any soreness, it’s important to follow these self-care tips:
Apply heat: Applying heat to the treated area can help soothe any muscle soreness.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins released during the treatment.
Avoid strenuous activity: It’s important to avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours after your session.
Light stretching: Gentle stretching exercises can help keep the muscles relaxed and prevent tightness from returning.
Listen to your body: If you feel fatigued or sore, allow your body time to rest and recover.
Dry needling services at Keilor Road Physiotherapy
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we incorporate dry needling into our tailored treatment plans to address specific muscle pain and tension. Our team of experienced physiotherapists ensures each patient receives personalized care, targeting the root cause of pain. Whether you are from Essendon, Niddrie, Keilor, Keilor East, or Tullamarine, our dry needling services can help you achieve long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing muscle pain, tightness, or discomfort, dry needling may be the solution for you. At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, our experienced team is here to help you feel your best. Contact us today to book your consultation and start your recovery journey with a personalized dry needling treatment plan.
Reference:
Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Mar;47(3):133-149.
Cagnie, B., Dewitte, V., Barbe, T., Timmermans, F., Delrue, N., & Meeus, M. (2013). Physiologic effects of dry needling. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 17(8), 348.
Dommerholt, J., & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (2013). Trigger point dry needling: An evidence and clinical-based approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Kietrys, D. M., Palombaro, K. M., & Azzaretto, E. (2013). Effectiveness of dry needling for upper-quarter myofascial pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(9), 620-634.