•Dry needling is similar to acupuncture but differs in that it uses western based anatomy and physiology rather than Eastern esoteric based "meridians".

•Basically it’s a technique of using acupuncture needles on trigger points to release tight muscles and release any toxins that may have formed in the contracted knot!

•By treating the affected trigger points with dry-needling, the muscle can relax and full range of movement is achieved. Sometimes if the muscle is very badly damaged a number of treatments are required to obtain full movements.

•Indeed a number of repetitive treatments are usually necessary before the muscle will stay permanently in a state of recovery as initially it tends to relapse after the first treatment(s)

At the same time as the trigger points are disrupted, pain reduces significantly. The number of treatment varies considerably and is to some extent dependent on the duration of the injury and age. Like all the medical treatments known, not everyone responds to dry-needling, but in the region of at least 85% of people have a satisfactory outcome

•Trigger Points in the Gluteus minimus and their combined pain referral patterns.

•Typically this is a pain referral system that works down the leg as shown.

•Treating the trigger point with a dry needle can affect massive relief down along the line.

 How Does A Needle Stop All This?

1. Putting a needle into a trigger point of a muscle causes the muscle to relax and release                                                                                                            the toxin that its holding. (Substance P/Serotonin)
2. •This can be seen and measured with an electro-myogram.
3. •Activity in the trigger point muscle reduces in amplitude and becomes regular instead of sporadic.
4. •A spasmed muscle becomes a damaged muscle.

   • Spasm reduces blood flow in the muscle. This means less oxygen and food to the muscle.
   • •Muscle fibres die off and get replaced by fibrous / scar tissue. This, in turn, holds the muscle tight, prevents muscle metabolites from leaving the muscle and causes continued spasm and pain.
   • •The insertion of the needle separates the fibres, allowing blood flow to return and it breaks up fibrotic accumulations by perforating them.
   • •This allows the muscle to heal and reduce pain!

        Actual size of the Needle                            Using the guide tube to insert it                Needle in the Bicep Muscle

So if you want to me to stick needles in you and carve a voodoo doll for your other half to use daily, Please call me or email me on Dave@allsportinjuries.ie or call 087 97 86 814

© Dave@allsportinjuries.ie