Commonly Asked Questions On Dry Needling

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE?

​​

The needles used are very thin and most patients do not feel it enter their skin. If the target muscles are tight and sensitive you will feel a cramp or twitch sensation. This is called the ‘twitch response’ and is the aim of the treatment; typically, the more twitches you get, the greater the relief. The twitch response is very short lasting, and patients soon learn to recognise this sensation as therapeutic as it is followed by a feeling of pain relief and muscle relaxation.

​

HOW DOES DRY NEEDLING HELP?

​​

Dry Needling stimulates the muscle to produce a reflex relaxation. The needle also encourages blood flow to the treated region, initiating the natural healing process and helping with pain relief. Finally, the treatment creates electrical signals in the muscle to enhance the communication and function between the nerve, muscle, and brain.

​

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TREATMENT?

​

Treatments are typically once to twice per week, allowing for sufficient recovery time between sessions. However, this can vary, and your clinician will discuss this with you during your treatment.

How does Dry Needling differ from Acupuncture?

Dry Needling requires a musculoskeletal examination involving assessment of the muscle to identify tight knots within a muscle known as Trigger Points. Dry Needling is the performed in accordance with clinical findings, whereas Acupuncture is based on predefined locations on the body (meridians).

With the application of Dry Needling, there will be an immediate chance after the treatment that the therapist can measure, and the patient can feel.

​

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

​

Dry Needling is a low-risk procedure when performed by qualified professionals. Most common side effects include:

​

•  Muscle Soreness

•  Fatigue

•  Bruising

​

These side effects are temporary and normally well tolerated by most people.

​

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:

​​

•  Dizziness/Fainting after the procedure. This is minimised by ensuring you have not skipped any meals and had sufficient water during the day.

•  Metal allergy. If this rare reaction occurs, switching to another brand of needle can assist. Please notify your treating clinician if you have a metal allergy.

•  Pnuemothorax (air in the chest cavity). Only applicable when needling around the chest cavity. It is considered a minimal risk when performed by our staff who have been trained under one of the worlds most stringent courses.

​

If you have any further questions please discuss with your clinician or visit...