BOOK NOW

Dry Needling

Introduction

What Is Dry Needling?

Trigger point dry needling is a Physiotherapy modality that decreases pain in your muscles. Activate’s trained Physiotherapists adhere to a western medicine approach when using this technique and are not performing acupuncture. Our goal, as musculoskeletal specialists, is to restore normal muscle and joint function.

Dry needling therapy uses a solid filament needle to treat muscle trigger points. These points are a highly localised, hyper-irritable spot in a taught band of muscle fibers. These trigger points play a role in producing and maintaining the pain cycle. They can alter muscle performance, as well as generate pain along common referral patterns. These points develop in muscle for various reasons, including referred or local pain, inflammation, athletic injury or other causes.
The dry needling technique is used as an adjunct to our hands on Physiotherapy approach and assessment to decrease pain and restore function.

Book Now
Introduction

HOW DOES DRY NEEDLING WORK?

The dry needle stimulation of the muscle produces a local twitch response or rapid depolarisation of muscle fibres. This leads to reduction of muscle activity, which results in relaxation and decreased pain and dysfunction. This decrease in pain is related to the removal of muscular compression on your joint, nerve, and vascular tissue. Referred pain can be reproduced as a result of dry needling which is a positive sign confirming the trigger point as the source of the pain. Dry needling is highly effective for chronic muscle and repetitive sport injuries.

Book Now

ACUPUNCTURE VS. DRY NEEDLING

Dry Needling uses the same type of needles that acupuncture uses, but with a different theoretical purpose. Acupuncture adopts a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to normalise the flow of energy, or Chi, in the body to treat pain. Although both approaches use the same type of needles, dry needling is based on traditional reasoning of Western medicine. The sites for the needle insertion are located in specific myofascial trigger points in skeletal muscle, which can differ from acupuncture.

Introduction

HOW IS DRY NEEDLING DIFFERENT FROM TRIGGER POINT INJECTION?

Trigger point dry needling does not deliver any medication. Therefore, the treatments can be done more frequently with no adverse side effects. Traditional trigger point injections or “wet needling” use a hollow, hypodermic needle to inject substances such as saline, Botox or corticosteroids. The theory suggests that the “needling effect” is the most important part of the process rather than the chemicals injected. This does not mean that certain patients will not have greater indication or benefits with injections rather than dry needling and vice-versa.
Book Now
don't just take our word...

Client Testimonials

SJ's wealth of experience and genuine passion for his job is his biggest asset, coupled with his ability to forge a relationship with a client on a professional and a personal level. He found a solution to my long-term lower back problems, not only by treating the symptoms but finding the root cause of the issue. It allowed me to continue my career as a professional rugby player with the Newcastle Falcons and I will always be grateful that our paths crossed.


Carlo Del Fava

BBC Sport, Former Italian International

After becoming injured earlier in the year I came to Activate Physio for help. SJ quickly isolated the issues and provided a programme of exercises to correct imbalances that had caused the problems. This enabled me to resume training quicker than expected with stronger and more efficient form. I would highly recommend Activate Physiotherapy to anyone in need of professional sports treatment.


Lucas Longman

Heaton Harriers

Having both coached Andy as an athlete & then worked alongside him as a colleague, I can't recommend his services and knowledge enough! He is a true professional and gentlemen to work with and always makes sure his service is of the highest standard. Having a team of international and Olympic athletes to cater for, I only use the best in the business and that is what you get with Andy!


John Trembley

USA Olympic Gold Medalist Coach

As an international and Olympic athlete I set my expectations very high when working with coaching and medical staff. I thoroughly recommend Andy Thirlwell to anyone looking to gain and edge in their sporting performance!


Barry Murphy

2012 Olympian, European Silver Medalist

I highly recommend Andy Thirlwell. His knowledge & expertise are world class. Working with Andy will take your sporting performance to the next level along with improving your over all health!


Ryk Neethling

2004 Olympic Gold Medalist & World Record Holder

SJ is a great Physio. I've known him for years, and can highly recommend him. Obviously passionate about his profession, he is hard working, conscientious, encouraging, and positive. If you want first-class treatment with a smile, SJ is your man.


Euan Murray

Former Scotland International