Tight, knotted or overworked muscles can keep pain going long after the original strain. Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique used to treat sore, tight muscle, and at The Physio Joint it is always part of a wider plan to get you moving and keep you moving. Book a dry needling appointment at our Mayfield clinic, 161 Maitland Road.
Dry needling uses very fine, single-use needles placed into tight bands of muscle, often called trigger points. The aim is to ease muscle tension and pain so you can move better and get more out of your rehab. It is not the same as traditional acupuncture, and your physiotherapist will explain what they are treating and why.
We may recommend dry needling when tight or sensitive muscle is part of your problem, for example:
If your symptoms include headaches or migraines, see our headaches and migraines page.
Your physiotherapist works out what is driving your pain before recommending any needling, and checks that it is suitable for you.
A fine needle is placed into the muscle for a short time. Many people feel a brief twitch, cramp-like sensation or dull ache.
Some people feel sore for a day or two, a bit like after a workout. Your physiotherapist will give you simple movements or exercises to help the muscle settle and keep the benefit.
Dry needling is not suitable for everyone. Tell your physiotherapist if you are pregnant, take blood thinning medication, have a fear of needles or have any medical condition you are unsure about, so they can decide whether it is right for you.
Our physiotherapists treat people from Mayfield, Waratah, Tighes Hill, Carrington, Islington, Hamilton and across Newcastle.
It is usually described as a brief twitch or dull ache rather than sharp pain. Tell your physiotherapist how it feels and they can adjust the technique.
It depends on the problem and how your body responds. Your physiotherapist will tell you what to expect after your first appointment.
No. Book a physiotherapy appointment and your physiotherapist will assess whether dry needling is suitable.
Dry needling is part of your physiotherapy consultation, so claims generally follow your physiotherapy cover, which you can claim on the day with HICAPS.
If tight muscles are holding you back, book an appointment and we will find out whether dry needling is right for you.
