Narellan Dry Needling

MSK offers dry needle therapy as an extremely effective treatment for decreasing pain and tension within muscles, as well as improving the overall function of the muscle. It can work in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments to help improve conditions and ailments that involve the muscular system.

People often ask us questions such as, “Is dry needling painful?”, or “What is dry needle therapy?” so we’ve put together some information about this useful therapeutic option.

Dry needling at MSK

Call the MSK team today if you have any questions, or want to make an appointment for a consultation to see if dry needling can help you. We take clients from all over Sydney, so get in touch today.

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  • What is dry needling?

    Dry needling is something we do frequently here at MSK. It involves one of our trained practitioners using a sterile, single-use, fine filament needle and inserting it into the muscle. The needles are used to stimulate the tissue and allow us to reach the myofascial trigger points that may be more difficult to access via massage and adjustments.

    These trigger points are highly sensitive and can be painful when touched, which makes dry needling a more appealing alternative for many patients. These trigger points are also often the cause of referred pain, so you may feel relief in more areas than were targeted.

  • Is dry needling painful?

    While not painless, dry needling is often referred to as being simply a little uncomfortable, and the feeling subsides quickly. You may feel a slight prick as the needle enters your skin, and some tenderness as the needle contacts the trigger point. Your muscle may also twitch involuntarily, and the treated areas may feel tender for about a day afterwards. This tenderness can be mitigated by stretches, which your therapist will show you, and applying heat and cold packs.

    Any mild discomfort is worth it, as our clients often tell us, because of the incredible results.

  • What can dry needling treat?

    Dry needling is a technique that can be used to treat many diverse injuries such as:

    • Back pain
    • Neck pain
    • Sports injuries
    • Bruising and swelling
    • Chronic pain
    • Stiffness
    • Musculoskeletal problems
    • Pain from poor posture
    • Joint problems
    • Tendonitis
    • Jaw and mouth problems (e.g. temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD)
    • Whiplash
    • Repetitive motion disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
    • Pelvic pain
    • Night cramps
    • Phantom pain
    • Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain left behind by shingles)

    Dry needling is effective in treating each of the above conditions because the insertion of the needles into the trigger points promotes blood flow to the affected areas. This assists in repairing muscle tears, reducing swelling and inflammation, and relieving pain and tension.

  • How does it differ from acupuncture?

    In dry needling, the needles are slowly inserted into the muscular trigger point, gently manipulated, and then removed after a very short period. This may be repeated a few times, depending on the extent of the treatment you require. This is unlike in acupuncture, where needles are left in the body for some time.

    Dry needling is also more directly concerned with treating specific neuromuscular problems that are causing pain or hindering mobility. Acupuncture seeks to address the flow of energy around the body and vital organs by inserting needles in established meridian points on the body.

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