Dry Needling is a western, modern form of Acupuncture. It incorporates the insertion of a thin filament needle to stimulate the healing process of soft tissues (muscle, tendons and ligaments). With the aim, to improve function and reduce pain by releasing or inactivating trigger points.
A trigger point is a taut band of muscle located within a larger muscle group, sometimes tender to touch, and can also radiate pain to other parts of the body.
Here at Comfort Health we use dry needling as its own treatment or combined with other treatments such as massage or physiotherapy to give the best results.
Half hour appointments are recommended for smaller more specific areas whereas hour long appointments are best for a more whole body approach or if you have multiple areas that need treating.
Our therapists Matt, Sara and Bryony are qualified in advanced dry needling.
We have found lots of our clients report feeling significant improvements the following day after dry needling.
Click here if you would like to book in with one of our specialists.
Dry needling can be used among any age or ability, please see examples below of a variety of pain problems which may benefit:
-Acute/Chronic injuries
–Headaches
–Neck/Back pain
–Tendinitis
–Sciatica
–Muscle strains
–Overuse injuries
-And many more…
Click on the links above to read more information about the injuries mentioned.
A healthy muscle can experience a little discomfort with insertion of a thin filament needle. However if the muscle is hypersensitive or has an active trigger point, the subject may feel a sensation like a muscle cramp, this is known as the “twitch” response.
Dry needling is safe for pretty much everybody!
However, there are a few exceptions where it would not be the best option for treatment, please see the list below:
-Vascular disease such as DVT
–Diabetes
-Pregnancy
-Children
-Frail patients
-Patients with epilepsy
-Patient allergies
-Over an area or limb with lymphedema
Patients should be aware that dry needling therapy can potentially cause mild muscle soreness or skin bruising.