What is dry needling?

Dry Needling is the art of using acupuncture needles to improve the health of the tissue in a given area on the body. This therapy is not the same as acupuncture even though the needles being used are the same. Whereas acupuncture targets the meridian energy lines throughout the body, dry needling is targeted more at muscle and connective tissues.

How does it work?

The needles create changes in the tissues by tricking the body into believing it has a need for creating a “healing” response to the foreign needle. This healing response is the bodies natural way to encourage healing in an area.

Dry needling can be very effective for changing muscle tone and relieving pain. For some people, it is reported that dry needling is more comfortable than a deep tissue massage. Although not for everyone the art of using needling to heal has been proven over thousands of years to be a very effective way of treating musculo-skeletal problems.

If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s for you talking to your therapist can help answer any questions in relation to your specific problem.

Reported benefits of dry needling

• Change in muscle tone
• Increased blood supply to the local area
• Change in metabolism of local tissue
• Pain relief
• Improved sensation around the area
• Improved range of motion of joints