Physiotherapy is a cornerstone in the rehabilitation and management of musculoskeletal conditions, helping patients regain movement and reduce pain. Among the various techniques physiotherapists employ, dry needling has emerged as a highly effective complementary treatment. But what exactly is dry needling, and how does it enhance the benefits of physiotherapy?

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What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points in the muscles, known as trigger points, to help relieve tight and sore muscles. A modern and safe treatment, dry needling is often used within a patient’s broader recovery plan, alongside other physical therapy treatments.

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How Dry Needling Works

Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots within a tight band of muscle fibres. These points can cause pain locally or refer pain to other areas of the body. By inserting a needle into these trigger points, dry needling helps to release tension, improve blood flow and decrease inflammation. This, in turn, facilitates the healing process and restores normal muscle function.

Benefits of dry needling include:

• Relieve pain and relax muscle spasm
• Improve or restore function and improve range of motion
• Improve local immune / healing responses accelerating your recovery

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Dry needling is a valuable addition to the physiotherapy toolkit, offering a proactive approach to pain management and muscle recovery. When integrated into a comprehensive physiotherapy plan, it can enhance treatment outcomes, helping patients achieve better mobility, reduced pain, and a quicker return to their daily activities.

If you would like to know more about dry needling and how it may help you, come and see us and speak to one of our physiotherapists about how it could be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan.