Why you should give needling a try

Dry needling is a musculoskeletal procedure used as a therapy for muscular pain, inflammation and dysfunction. During the procedure, a thin, sterilized filament needle is inserted into the muscle at a Myofascial Trigger Point site. These trigger points are small areas of contracted muscle fibers; more commonly known as “knots” and occur as a result of musculoskeletal stress or neuromuscular dysfunction.

How does it work?

The goal of dry needling is to stimulate the nervous system to elicit a chain of reactions to accelerate healing at the site of pain. Inserting a needle into a trigger point produces pain which triggers the nervous system to release neurochemicals to inhibit or stop the muscle spasm. These neurochemicals, such as Endorphins and Corticosteroids, are natural analgesics and act to relieve pain. The immune system also responds and sends white bloods cells to the site of pain, as well as oxygenated and nutrient rich red blood cells to elicit an inflammatory response and initiate the healing process. This chain of reactions caused by simply inserting the needle encourages relaxation of the affected muscle and a reduction in muscle spasm and pain.

Dry Needling Vs Acupuncture

While both practices involve inserting needles into your skin and muscles, they come from different schools of thought. Dry needling is strictly based on Western medical principles and research; and is increasingly used in the management of musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Acupuncture on the other hand, is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. Therapists at Studio Musculoskeletal are degree qualified therapists and only practice Western Myofascial Dry Needling.

What is Electro Needling?

Electro-Stimulation Needling is based on the same principles as Myofascial Dry Needling. The needle is still inserted into a myofascial trigger point. The filament needles are then attached to a device that generates continuous electrical pulses through the needle and into the trigger point. The Musculoskeletal Therapists will adjust the frequency and intensity of the impulses depending on the pathology being treated.
Why Choose Electro Needling?
While both traditional Dry Needling and Electro Needling will produce similar affects, Electro Needling results are generally faster acting and last for longer. The level of stimulation is standardized and controlled across all inserted electro needles, as opposed to the more traditional dry needling which requires the therapist to manually stimulate the inserted needles individually. Electro Stimulation Needling also allows a strong and continuous stimulation with a lot less tissue damage produced.

What Conditions Can Benefit?

Dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Such conditions include, but are not limited to;

  • Muscular strain and spasm
  • General muscular tightness
  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Tension headaches
  • Migraines
  • Reduced joint flexibility
  • Sprains
  • Arthritis
  • Neurological pathology

Our Musculoskeletal Therapists Sarah Searle and Emma Burley both specialise in Dry Needling. Emma is also Studio Musculoskeletal’s Electro Needling Practitioner. To book an appointment with Sarah or Emma visit https://studioms.com.au/pages/bookings.

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The facility is clean and tidy and the staff are very professional and give great treatment and advice. Anyone struggling with muscle tightness should get in contact.