Dry Needling Acupuncture in Maidstone kent

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, osteopaths, and some physicians, to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting a thin needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) directly into the muscle or soft tissue trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle fibres associated with knots or areas of muscle spasm.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and aims to balance the flow of energy (Qi) along meridians, dry needling is grounded in Western medicine and neuroanatomy. The primary goal of dry needling is to release tension and promote healing in targeted areas of muscle and connective tissue.

Here are some key points about dry needling:

Muscle Trigger Points
Practitioners identify specific trigger points in muscles that may be contributing to pain or dysfunction. These trigger points often result from overuse, trauma, or stress.

Mechanical and Neurological Effects
The insertion of the needle into a trigger point creates a local twitch response, which is believed to be a release of tension in the muscle fibres. Additionally, the needle can stimulate a neurological response that helps modulate pain signals.

Pain Relief and Improved Function
Dry needling is commonly used to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and restore function in individuals with various musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle strains, tendonitis and myofascial pain syndromes.

Complementary Treatment
It is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other physical therapy modalities, exercises, and lifestyle modifications.

Potential Risks
While dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals, there are some risks, including bruising, soreness, and, rarely, complications such as infection or nerve injury. It's essential to undergo dry needling from a qualified and licensed practitioner.