Dry Needling is used to target and release trigger points and taunt bands of muscle fibers that are active in musculoskeletal pain syndromes. The term ‘dry needling’ does not include injection of medication as found in ‘wet needling’ and is targeting intramuscular nerve stimulation, in order for the nerve which innervates the muscle to let go or release the tension. By interrupting the feedback loop between the nerve and the muscle, furthermore by stimulating chemical and vascular responses, this activates the body’s natural healing mechanisms and releases the muscle.

It is a very effective therapy  when used safely by an experienced and well trained practitioner.
The preferred method utilised at ExcelR8 is to leave the needle in situ for up to 10 – 15 mins in order for a chemical response to occur and vascular stimulation (increased blood flow). Initially the body will release histamine, and then certain chemicals and hormones are released by the brain, including endorphins and enkephalin which further encourages the muscle to release and create increased feelings of wellbeing.

Where a local twitch response is elicited in the muscle, patient’s report an immediate and significant decrease in pain and local tenderness. Dry needling when used skillfully, can restore a range of movement and muscle activation patterns and reduce local, referred and widespread pain.

The treatments focus on muscles and specifically on musculo-skeletal release, not in contrast with acupuncture which focusses on treatment of meridians and energy channels.

Therefore whilst there may be some overlap between dry needling techniques and trigger points targeted, acupuncture is a different modality to dry needling.