What is Dry Needling?
This form of treatment uses very fine sterilised needles inserted into specific points in the body to reduce pain and muscle tension. Dry needling is a broad term used to differentiate “non-injection” needling from the practice of “injection needling” which utilises a hyperdermic syringe and usually involves the injection of an agent such as saline, local anaesthetic or corticosteroid into the tissue or specific anatomical structures .In contrast to this, dry needling utilises a solid, filament needle, as is used in the practice of acupuncture, and relies on the stimulation of specific reactions in the target tissue for its therapeutic effect.
The term dry needling is also used to differentiate the use of needling in a western physiological paradigm from the use of needling in an oriental paradigm which is referred to as acupuncture.
There are several popular, well established schools of dry needling practice and they commonly involve the needling of myofascial trigger points using acupuncture needles to deactivate and help resolve trigger points.
Is it safe?
Dry needling is a very safe form of treatment. Serious side effects are rare with an incidence of 0.02 per 10000 treatments.
Are there any side effects?
Drowsiness may occur after treatment in some patients. If affected, you are advised to notify your physiotherapist and not to drive until the symptoms have resolved.
Minor bleeding/ bruising occurs after dry needling in about 3% of treatments.
In a small percentage of patients, symptoms can become worse before improving. This is generally a sign that healing has begun. If the worsening of symptoms is concerning you or lasts for more than 2 days, contact your physiotherapist.
Fainting is rare, but can occur, particularly in new patients. To reduce the risk it is recommended that you consume food within 2-3 hours prior to treatment.
Local infections can occur if bacteria on the skin are introduced into a joint by the needle. This is very rare – 0.014% per treatment.
The risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is extremely unlikely (less than 1 in 70,000-1300000) with appropriate technique. Precautions will be taken at all times to avoid any complications. Should you experience any shortness of breath in a 24 hour period following treatment, please seek medical advice.
To minimise complications, we only use high quality, single use, sterile, disposable needles that have TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval.
If you would like more information on Dry Needling and how it may help you in your recovery from injury, then call Blair at the clinic on 4128 1703 or email him directly at [email protected]
This form of treatment uses very fine sterilised needles inserted into specific points in the body to reduce pain and muscle tension. Dry needling is a broad term used to differentiate “non-injection” needling from the practice of “injection needling” which utilises a hyperdermic syringe and usually involves the injection of an agent such as saline, local anaesthetic or corticosteroid into the tissue or specific anatomical structures .In contrast to this, dry needling utilises a solid, filament needle, as is used in the practice of acupuncture, and relies on the stimulation of specific reactions in the target tissue for its therapeutic effect.
The term dry needling is also used to differentiate the use of needling in a western physiological paradigm from the use of needling in an oriental paradigm which is referred to as acupuncture.
There are several popular, well established schools of dry needling practice and they commonly involve the needling of myofascial trigger points using acupuncture needles to deactivate and help resolve trigger points.
Is it safe?
Dry needling is a very safe form of treatment. Serious side effects are rare with an incidence of 0.02 per 10000 treatments.
Are there any side effects?
Drowsiness may occur after treatment in some patients. If affected, you are advised to notify your physiotherapist and not to drive until the symptoms have resolved.
Minor bleeding/ bruising occurs after dry needling in about 3% of treatments.
In a small percentage of patients, symptoms can become worse before improving. This is generally a sign that healing has begun. If the worsening of symptoms is concerning you or lasts for more than 2 days, contact your physiotherapist.
Fainting is rare, but can occur, particularly in new patients. To reduce the risk it is recommended that you consume food within 2-3 hours prior to treatment.
Local infections can occur if bacteria on the skin are introduced into a joint by the needle. This is very rare – 0.014% per treatment.
The risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is extremely unlikely (less than 1 in 70,000-1300000) with appropriate technique. Precautions will be taken at all times to avoid any complications. Should you experience any shortness of breath in a 24 hour period following treatment, please seek medical advice.
To minimise complications, we only use high quality, single use, sterile, disposable needles that have TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval.
If you would like more information on Dry Needling and how it may help you in your recovery from injury, then call Blair at the clinic on 4128 1703 or email him directly at [email protected]