Dry Needling

Dry Needling in Adelaide

This technique is also referred to as Western Acupuncture. It is not Chinese Acupuncture as it is based upon more modern Western medicine’s anatomical and neuro-physiological principles and evidence. Both use very fine needle, however the placement of these needles differ. Dry Needling Adelaide is another treatment option for deep tissue massage to relax tight muscle and nerve tissue. The needles are placed in the painful, muscular trigger points to produce a local reaction of increased blood flow and production of the body’s natural analgesics, called endorphins. The results often are reduced pain, improved muscle length and overall improved function.

Ducker Physio in Adelaide offers dry needling services to help you relief pain and achieve your health and wellness goals. With two convenient clinic locations and dedicated services for patients at Calvary Central District Hospital, Ducker Physio is committed to providing comprehensive physiotherapy care tailored to your individual needs.

Contact Ducker Physio in Adelaide to schedule your FREE assessment and discover how our expert team can help you.

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Dry Needling Key Aspects

Dry needling is a modern physical therapy technique used to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of thin, solid filament needles into specific trigger points—tight bands or knots within muscles that can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on balancing the body's energy flow (Qi), dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.

- Targets myofascial trigger points to alleviate localised and referred pain.
- Helps restore range of motion by releasing muscle tightness.
- Aims to improve muscle function and reduce muscular imbalances.
The procedure involves three main steps -
1. Identification of Trigger Points.
  The practitioner palpates muscles to locate sensitive areas that may refer pain.
2. Needle Insertion.
  Fine needles are inserted directly into these trigger points. The depth and angle of insertion can vary based on the muscle and the practitioner’s assessment.
3. Manipulation.
  Sometimes, the needle is gently moved to elicit a "twitch" response in the muscle, which can help release tension.
Dry needling is a treatment modality used primarily to address myofascial pain syndrome, which involves trigger points in muscles that cause pain and discomfort. This technique targets tight bands of muscle tissue to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Conditions commonly treated with dry needling include -
- Musculoskeletal Pain.
  Including neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and tension headaches.
- Sports Injuries.
  Such as strains and sprains.
- Chronic Pain Conditions.
  Like fibromyalgia.
- Rehabilitation.
  Post-injury or post-surgical recovery to restore muscle function.
Studies have shown that dry needling can be effective in reducing pain and improving function for various musculoskeletal conditions. However, the quality of evidence varies, and more high-quality research is needed to fully establish its efficacy. Outcomes can vary based on the individual’s condition, the skill of the practitioner, and other factors.
When performed by trained professionals, dry needling is considered safe. Common side effects may include soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding at the needle site.
Complications such as infection, nerve injury, or pneumothorax (if needles are inserted too deeply into the chest area) are extremely uncommon if proper techniques are followed.

Dry needling offers many benefits in physiotherapy, making it a valuable component of comprehensive treatment plans aimed at alleviating pain and enhancing physical function. One of the primary advantages of dry needling is pain reduction. By specifically targeting trigger points—tight knots within muscles—dry needling can significantly decrease both acute and chronic pain levels. This targeted approach alleviates localised pain and helps reduce referred pain that can affect other areas of the body.

Another notable benefit is improved mobility. Dry needling assists in restoring the normal range of motion in affected muscles and joints by releasing muscle tightness and reducing stiffness. This enhancement in mobility is crucial for individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with conditions that restrict movement, enabling them to perform daily activities with greater ease and less discomfort.

Enhanced muscle function is also a key outcome of dry needling. By promoting better muscle performance and addressing muscular imbalances, dry needling helps ensure that muscles operate more efficiently and effectively. This improvement in muscle function can lead to better posture, increased strength, and a reduced risk of future injuries, contributing to overall physical well-being.

Furthermore, dry needling plays a significant role in accelerating recovery. It facilitates quicker healing by improving blood flow to the targeted areas, reducing inflammation, and promoting the body's natural healing processes. This accelerated recovery is particularly beneficial for athletes and active individuals who seek to return to their sports or daily activities promptly after an injury.

Dry needling serves as a complementary treatment that can be effectively integrated with other physiotherapy modalities. When combined with exercise therapy, manual therapy, and patient education, dry needling enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment plan. This multimodal approach ensures a more holistic recovery process, addressing various aspects of musculoskeletal health and optimising patient outcomes.

Benefits of Dry Needling in Physiotherapy

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Our Process

Make a booking

You can call either our Magill or Salisbury Practice, or book online through our ‘Make a booking page’. You can select your preferred date, time and Physiotherapist!

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Initial Consultation

During your first consultation, we complete a full assessment of your physical condition before devising a treatment plan, all while educating you as we go.

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Management Plan

From your consultation, we will discuss with you what we believe you need to do in order to get better. Additionally, we will educate you about what you can do to prevent a similar issue in the future.

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Ongoing Treatment

With every treatment, we will assess your progress in line with your management program. It is essential that we perform constant reviews to enable us to stay on track.

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