A Brief Look At The Relationship Between Trigger Points & Dry Needling
Dry needling is a form of treatment that involves the use of fine needles to stimulate trigger points in the muscles. It is based on principles of Western anatomy and physiology combined with traditional eastern practices and mysticism.
At the New Leaf Clinic, we pride ourselves on putting our patients first and maximising their health potential with a holistic, expert alternative. We use acupunctural dry needling to treat various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions to varying degrees and utilise our extensive experience and certified training to ensure our clients are well looked after.
Trigger Points
One of the main principles of dry needling is the concept of myofascial trigger points. When we refer to these, we are, in fact, referring to a tight band of muscle tissue under the skin that is often tender to the touch. These points can cause pain and discomfort and can refer pain to other areas of the body.
The muscle can be stimulated and relaxed by inserting a needle into a trigger point, resulting in pain relief and improved function. You may notice that it is remarkably similar to the more ancient beliefs of traditional Chinese Acupuncture – a process steeped in a fantastical and rich history dating back hundreds, if not thousands of years.
The ancient belief systems involved the notion of Qi and Channel Theory, which posits that energy (Qi) flows in the body through a variety of set channels.
What Ailments Can Be Alleviated With Dry Needling?
Dry needling can be used to treat a wide range of injuries, including muscle strains, tendonitis, and bursitis. It can also be effective for relieving neck and back pain, as well as headaches. In addition to these conditions, dry needling has been shown to be effective for the treatment of sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis.
Muscle strains: The practice can be quite effective for relieving muscle pain and improving function in cases of muscle strains. It can be used to target specific muscles or muscle groups and can help to speed up the recovery process.
Neck and back pain: Dry needling has been shown to help alleviate neck and back pain, which muscle strains or other sporting/physical injuries can cause. It can help to improve the range of motion and reduce muscle tension, leading to greater comfort and function.
Sports injuries: It can be conducive for athletes who are recovering from sports-related injuries, such as muscle strains and tendonitis. It can target specific muscles or muscle groups and help improve performance and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Why New Leaf Clinic?
It is important to note that dry needling is a highly specialised technique and should only be performed by trained and certified practitioners. The needles used for dry needling are sterile and disposable, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated by patients.
However, as with any form of treatment, there is a small risk of side effects, such as bleeding or infection – we always ensure that the New Leaf Clinic is kept at a pristine level. We provide dry needling that is considered to be a safe and effective form of treatment for a variety of conditions.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, get in touch with one of our team, book a session with one of our trained and certified dry needling practitioners, and experience the difference for yourself.
Get in touch with one of our team today, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Alternatively, you can book in a session right away to discuss your options!