Dry Needling at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

Unlocking Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern treatment technique designed to relieve pain and improve muscle function. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points—tight bands of muscle or knots—that cause pain and limit movement.

By targeting these trigger points, dry needling helps:

• Release muscle tension

• Improve blood flow

• Reduce pain and inflammation

• Restore range of motion

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to balance the flow of Qi (energy) and promote healing.

Acupuncture helps:

• Relieve pain

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Enhance energy flow

• Support overall health and wellness

While dry needling focuses primarily on musculoskeletal issues, acupuncture has a more holistic approach, targeting a broader range of health concerns.

How Do Dry Needling and Acupuncture Work?

Dry Needling Mechanism

Dry needling works by stimulating the myofascial trigger points in your muscles. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it causes a localized twitch response, helping to:

• Release the tight knot in the muscle

• Improve blood flow and oxygen delivery

• Reset the muscle to its normal resting length

This process helps alleviate pain and restore proper muscle function.

Acupuncture Mechanism

In acupuncture, needles stimulate specific points along the body’s meridians—pathways through which energy flows. By balancing the flow of Qi, acupuncture can:

• Promote natural pain relief

• Enhance the body’s healing processes

• Support emotional and mental health

Both techniques share the goal of relieving pain and improving bodily function, but they do so through different mechanisms.

Benefits of Dry Needling and Acupuncture

1. Pain Relief

Both dry needling and acupuncture are highly effective for reducing acute and chronic pain. They can address pain related to:

• Muscles

• Joints

• Nerves

2. Improved Muscle Function

Dry needling specifically targets tight muscles, helping to restore their proper function.

3. Enhanced Recovery

Needling techniques promote blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen to tissues, which accelerates healing.

4. Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Acupuncture is known for its calming effects, helping to reduce stress and promote mental well-being.

5. Drug-Free Treatment

Both treatments provide a natural, medication-free alternative for pain relief and healing.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Our therapists use dry needling and acupuncture to manage a variety of conditions, including:

Musculoskeletal Pain and Injuries

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries

• Lower back pain and sciatica

• Hip and knee pain

• Plantar fasciitis

• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

Chronic Pain Conditions

• Fibromyalgia

• Myofascial pain syndrome

• Headaches and migraines

Sports Injuries

• Muscle strains

• Overuse injuries

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

• Pelvic pain

• Incontinence

Stress-Related Conditions

• Tension headaches

• Anxiety

What to Expect During Your Session

Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment

Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your specific condition, symptoms, and goals. This helps us determine whether dry needling, acupuncture, or a combination of both is the best approach for you.

Step 2: Treatment

• Dry Needling: The therapist will insert fine needles directly into trigger points in your muscles. You may feel a slight twitch or mild discomfort, which is a positive sign that the muscle is releasing tension.

• Acupuncture: The therapist will insert needles into targeted acupoints along your body’s meridians. The sensation is typically mild and relaxing.

Step 3: Post-Treatment

After your session, you might feel immediate relief, improved mobility, or reduced muscle tightness. Some patients experience mild soreness, similar to post-exercise discomfort, which usually resolves within 24-48 hours.

Are Dry Needling and Acupuncture Safe?

Yes, both dry needling and acupuncture are safe when performed by qualified practitioners. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, all our therapists are fully trained and experienced in these techniques, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.

Dry Needling treatment is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific body points. 

Dry Needling is generally safe with serious side effects less than one per 10,000 treatments. Common side effects include drowsiness, minor bleeding (3%), pain during treatment (1%), increased pain after treatment (3%) and fainting. If acupuncture is provided to your trunk there is a risk of a pneumothorax and your physiotherapist will seek your consent before this treatment is provided.

Sometimes you may feel pain during treatment, or have your symptoms aggravated for a period of time following treatment – this is often a good sign, but you should discuss this with your therapist. If you have any concerns following your treatment please get in contact with your therapist.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your specific condition, goals, and response to treatment. Some patients experience significant improvement after just one session, while others may benefit from a series of treatments for optimal results.

Why Choose Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health?

1. Experienced Therapists

Our skilled team has extensive training in both dry needling and acupuncture, ensuring safe and effective treatments tailored to your needs.

2. Comprehensive Care

We combine dry needling and acupuncture with other physiotherapy treatments for a holistic approach to pain relief and recovery.

3. Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient receives a customized plan to achieve their specific goals, whether it’s pain relief, improved mobility, or enhanced athletic performance.

4. Modern, Comfortable Facilities

Our state-of-the-art clinics offer a welcoming and relaxing environment to support your healing journey.

FAQs About Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?

No, while both involve needle insertion, they differ in approach and purpose. Dry needling targets muscle trigger points to relieve pain, whereas acupuncture focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight pinch or muscle twitch, but discomfort is minimal and temporary.

Are There Any Side Effects?

You may experience mild soreness or bruising, but these effects are short-lived. Both treatments are considered very safe when performed by qualified professionals.

Can I have Dry Needling when Pregnant?

Generally physiotherapists won’t use dry needling on anyone who is in their first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you are interested in receiving dry needling and are pregnant please discuss this with your physiotherapist.

Book Your Dry Needling or Acupuncture Session Today

Experience the benefits of dry needling and acupuncture at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health. Our expert team is here to help you achieve pain relief, improved mobility, and better overall health.

LET YOUR THERAPIST KNOW IF YOU SUFFER WITH THE FOLLOWING:

• Epilepsy

• Prone to fainting

• Pacemaker or any other electrical implants

• Pregnant

• Taking blood thinning medication (ie. Warfarin), or have a bleeding disorder

• Metal implants (ie. Joint replacement)

• Ttaking immune modulating medication (ie. After organ transplant)

• Do you have any blood borne diseases (ie. Hepatitis or HIV)

****These conditions don’t necessarily mean you can’t have dry needling; rather that extra pre-cautions may need to be taken****

****Our clinic only uses stainless steel, single-use, disposable needles****