Dry needling is a complementary therapy that is commonly used for musculoskeletal treatment. It can be done by your dry needling trained chiropractor and involves inserting a thin needle into the skin and muscles to relieve pain and improve function. This technique is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but with a different approach and purpose.
The difference between dry needling and acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of needles into specific points along the body's meridians. The meridians are channels through which the body's functional fluid-like energy, or Qi, flows. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance and flow of Qi by stimulating specific acupuncture points. The placement of the needles is based on the individual's specific diagnosis, needs, and health conditions.
Dry needling, on the other hand, is primarily used to target trigger points, which are areas of tight and knotted muscle fibers that can cause pain and restrict movement. Motor points, which can overlap trigger points, can also be needled and are located where the nerve inserts into the muscle. It is called "dry" needling because no medication or substance is injected into the body through the needles.
Combining dry needling with chiropractic care
At Moorooka Chiropractic Clinic we use dry needling to compliment your chiropractic care when clinically indicated. While dry needling is a relatively new technique, it has gained popularity in recent years as a safe and effective alternative to traditional pain management treatments. Here are some of the key benefits of dry needling:
- Enhanced pain relief: Dry needling can help reduce pain and discomfort by targeting trigger points and releasing tension in the muscles. This technique is particularly effective for chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractic adjustments help further reduce the pain by realigning the spine and improving joint mobility.
- Improved flexibility and range of motion: By releasing tension in the muscles, dry needling can help improve flexibility and range of motion, while chiropractic adjustments can help to realign the spine and reduce muscle tension throughout the body. This can lead to improved posture and a reduction in muscle pain. This can be especially beneficial for athletes or individuals with mobility issues. Just like massage and tailored exercises, dry needling is a great add on to chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility and flexibility.
- Faster healing and recovery: Chiropractic adjustments can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, which can speed up the healing process. Dry needling can promote healing and recovery by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles.
- No medication required: Unlike traditional pain management treatments, both dry needling and chiropractic don’t require the use of medication. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who prefer a more natural approach to pain relief or who are unable to take certain medications due to allergies or other medical conditions.
- Safe and minimally invasive: This approach is a safe and minimally invasive technique that carries very few risks or side effects. In dry needling, the needles used are very thin and most individuals only experience a mild sensation during the treatment.
- Cost-effective: Dry needling is a cost-effective alternative to traditional pain management treatments. It typically requires fewer sessions and may be covered by insurance, making it an accessible option for many individuals.
“It is important to note that while dry needling is generally safe and effective, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders or infections may not be good candidates for this technique. Therefore, it needs to be performed by a qualified health practitioner.”, Dr Sam Fitzgibbons, Director and Chiropractor at Moorooka Chiropractic Centre, commented.
Dr. Sam has over a decade of experience in acupuncture with a Bachelor degree of Health Science in Acupuncture, at Australian College of Natural Medicine in Queensland. By using chiropractic care with the option to add other techniques including dry needling, he aims to gain the best possible results for patients. Speak to Dr. Sam if you’d like to know if combining dry needling with chiropractic is a viable option for you.