What is dry needling?
Dry needling is the use of solid filiform needles for therapy of muscle pain. Sometimes this also known as intramuscular stimulation. The term dry needling differentiates the use of needling in a western format to acupuncture which utilises an eastern philosophy. If you come for treatment at Balance Osteopathy for an Osteopathic consultation this may be part of the session.
Generally, these are used on myofascial ‘trigger points’ which are tight spots within muscles. These often refer pain to characteristic areas of the body (e.g. the upper part of the trapezius muscle above the shoulder can often refer pain to the side of the temples). Using a this technique, the tight spot can be relaxed and often reduces this referred pain effectively and quickly.
This can also improve local blood flow and stimulate healing.
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