What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is inserting an acupuncture needle into a trigger point of an injured or painful muscle.
There can be many causes as to why a muscle can be painful, one of the most common causes is that the muscle has tightened up and is restricting movement, or causing pain on movement. The function of dry needling is to release the tight muscle by activating the trigger point. This is usually felt as a slight spasm or pull.
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system. It is the inserting of needles into acupuncture points along energy meridians or channels.
Each point has a specific function and is chosen relative to the specific TCM diagnosis. For example, if you suffer from stress related headaches, the acupuncturist may use points such as Colon4 and Liver 3. If the headache has its origins in your shoulders then Gall Bla might be used.
Gall Bladder 21 is a classic case in point of a trigger point corresponding with an acupuncture point. In this case Gall Bladder 21 is also the trigger point for releasing the upper trapezius muscle (see diagram).
TCM has been developing over thousands of years, so it is only natural that some trigger points correspond with acupuncture points.
Safety
As with any skin penetration, it is important that you visit a fully trained professional who has at least 4 years training in the safe and sterile use of acupuncture needles. So you should only see an AHPRA registered acupuncturist.
Many other health providers who use needles have only done a short course (sometimes over a single weekend!) in the safe and technical use of needles.
Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points Used Together
The great thing about using acupuncture points as well as trigger points is that you get not only the local muscle release, but also a holistic treatment which addresses the underlying causes as to why the muscle is tight in the first place.
In many cases stress release will help to improve muscle function, so treating the cause and symptom is the best way to achieve lasting improvement.
There are many fantastic acupuncture points which can help to boost the energy and blood supply to your muscles, ensuring they are lubricated and fully functional. Insomnia can deprive your muscles of crucial healing time, so acupuncture can help with that.
Small changes to your diet can also help to strengthen and nourish muscles. Nathan can help you with that too.
If you are thinking of getting dry needling done, come and see Nathan, as he is an expert qualified musculoskeletal acupuncturist.
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