DRY NEEDLING at Terranova Physiotherapy in Richmond
Do you suffer from chronic or acute pain? Many patients at Terranova Physiotherapy in Richmond get relief with Dry Needling. It is particularly effective for such problems as chronic neck, back and shoulder pain, headaches, tendonitis, and jaw pain.
After your comprehensive assessment, your physiotherapist may recommend Dry Needling, usually combined with other therapies.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a scientifically proven technique that uses tiny needles inserted into specific myofascial trigger points in your body. These trigger points refer pain to other points in your body. The insertion of the tiny needles by your physiotherapist normalizes the chemical levels to lower your pain and inflammation.
Trigger points often occur on your neck, back and arms. Runners often have trigger points on their legs. But Dry Needling also helps many conditions like:
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff damage
- Knee pain
- Sciatica
- Hip and gluteal pain
- Achilles’ tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
How do I know if I have trigger points causing my pain?
Most patients describe a trigger point as a “knot.” If you poke or rub the knot, you may find it hurts somewhere else (sometimes not even nearby!) or radiates to the surrounding area. Trigger points tend to cause more widespread pain than just in the muscle where they are found. A trigger point is often tender to the touch and may cause pain at any time.
This technique also helps muscular issues not involving trigger points, like rotator cuff damage.
Most importantly, your physiotherapist knows if you have trigger points causing your pain, even if you don’t know. As part of your initial and ongoing assessments, they will keep you informed.
Dry Needling – What to Expect
Your physiotherapist at Terranova Physiotherapy in Richmond inserts tiny needles into your skin. There is no injection, no liquid inserted, so the needles are much thinner. The needles are so thin that many patients don’t feel them at all, but some do feel a twitch when the trigger point starts to release. This is usually a very good sign that the therapy is working!
Many patients find the immediate effects of Dry Needling are reduced muscle tension and greater range of motion.
Is Dry Needling like acupuncture?
Yes and no. Both Dru Needling and acupuncture use tiny needles, but the philosophies behind them are different. Therapeutic Dry Needling is a scientific, Western medicine technique that focuses on muscle groups and the body’s physical structure. Acupuncture is Chinese medicine focusing on balancing the flow of energy in the body.
In Summary
If your physiotherapist at Terranova Physiotherapy in Richmond recommends Dry Needling, you are in for a treat! Many patients feel some immediate pain and muscle tension relief. Call today to discover how Dry Needling could solve your chronic or acute pain.