Dry Needling

If your regular practitioner or clinic can't do dry needling, then you're missing out!

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What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern treatment technique which uses very fine needles to assist with muscle/fascia pain and dysfunction. While it may seem similar to acupuncture, it is actually based on up-to-date Western anatomical, physiological and neurological principles.

In recent years, dry needling therapy has become very popular with leading Osteopaths, Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Medical Doctors and Chiropractors.

Dry Needling is an additional service offered at Biomechanics Healthcare Cronulla by the majority of our practitioners. Dry Needling therapy can be requested on it's own or as part of a Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Remedial Massage Treatment.

How Is Dry Needling Different to Acupuncture?

Simply speaking, dry needling is concerned with tight muscles and 'trigger points' which is a common diagnosis made by massage therapists, osteopaths & physiotherapists. The needles are just another 'tool in the belt' to help relieve problems caused by trigger points.

Acupuncture is based on a 4000 year old philosophy which looks at how energy (qi) flows through the body and treats specific points where the qi is not flowing correctly, thus causing health problems. The needles help stimulate the qi and allow the body to heal.

A dry needling course is taught over 2 days and the practitioner will need to have a current degree related to health care, ie a complete understanding of anatomy & physiology. 

Acupuncture on the other hand is a 4 year university course where they learn to treat a lot more than trigger points using needles and various other instruments.

Anyone who practices just dry needling therapy is legally not allowed to claim that it is 'Acupuncture' - because it's not. It is outside their scope of practice.

However, an Acupuncturist can practice 'dry needling' as it is part of their scope of practice. Typically, an Acupuncturist would call dry needling as a 'local acupuncture point'.

What is Dry Needling Good For?

Dry needling is mostly used for treating muscular and tendon pain. It's very effective in treating areas which prove difficult to massage or stretch out because the area is either difficult to get to, to deep or just taking too long!

Some common conditions we treat at Biomechanics Healthcare Cronulla with dry needling therapy include

• Tennis & Golfer's Elbow
• Achillies Tendonitis/Tendonosis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Myofascial pain Syndrome
• Trigger Point Pain
• Headaches
• Runner's Knee
• Muscle tightness including (but not limited to) Iliotibial Band (ITB), Calf, Hamstring, Trapezius, Biceps & Triceps

Can Dry Needling Be Claimed Under Private Health Insurance?

Yes it can. Your session will be claimed as part of the regular treatment that your practitioner provides, whether it be Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Remedial Massage.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

No pain, no gain as they say! Generally you won't be able to feel the needle being inserted as it is so fine, the intensity comes on as the needle is twisted, grabbing on to muscle fibers and stretching them from the inside out.

Think of it as a volume knob - the more it's twisted the more intense it is. This means that you are completely in control of the pain you experience.

Don't let this put you off though, dry needling is very effective in treating painful areas that your usual massage, stretching and joint adjustments can't quite get to.

I'm Afraid of Needles But Think Dry Needling Therapy Might Help Me - What Should I Do?

We understand that having numerous needles stuck in you isn't everyone's cup of tea! If you're a bit squeamish then just ask to try one out during your regular treatment and see how you go.  You might find that it's not as bad as you first thought, and by the next time you come in your confidence may have grown to try a few more needles.

If you still don't believe us, your dry needling practitioner is always happy to volunteer themselves as a human pin cushion to give you some confidence - In fact, it's quite common amongst most dry needling therapists to treat themselves at home. Just ask them!

 

Your Dry Needling Therapist In Cronulla