THE IN'S AND OUTS OF DRY NEEDLING

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND DRY NEEDLING

WHAT IS IT?

Dry needling is a broad term used to  differentiate “non-injection”  needling from the practice of “injection needling”. Dry needling uses a solid, filament needle, as is used in the practice of acupuncture, and relies on the stimulation of specific reactions in the tissue for its therapeutic effect.

Dry needling stimulates the body's endorphin system, causing a release of the natural pain killing hormones that the body secretes. It also alters the pain gate - the mechanism through which a person experiences pain. By receiving a stimulus other than the deep ache, your nervous system is able to reprogram itself to stop receiving a pain impulse.  A fine needle is inserted into the affected point muscle spasm or trigger point and causes  micro (meaning small) trauma to that area. The body then tries to    heal that trauma, resulting in an increase in blood

              flow to that area.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Pain relief, release of Muscle spasm, Headaches etc.

DOES IT HURT?

Well... not really! The actual needle is about as thin as a hair strand, you feel the tiniest of pin pricks as it nicks the skin.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS

It is typical to experience soreness in the area treated for 1-2 days.  The soreness is quite tolerable for most and is easily alleviated with cold/heat and stretching.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WORK 

In some cases, decreased pain and improved mobility is immediate. Typically, it may take a few treatment sessions for a lasting positive effect. Again we are trying to cause mechanical, biochemical and neurological changes without any pharmacological means, therefore ,we are looking for a cumulative response to deactivate trigger points, disrupt pain and to restore optimal muscle function

                                                       Lianca Dookran – Physiotherapist

“Hands on physio , on hand”

        Contact No. – 0727294763                                                28 Sanhall office Park, Ballito 4400

         Email: lianca.physio@gmail.com

My practice is open after hours by For your convenience