Speers Health Clinics (SHC) has added a new service performed by one of our physiotherapists. The service is Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) or Dry Needling.
What is TDN/Dry Needling and who performs it?
TDN or Dry Needling is a modern form of acupuncture that involves placing a small filament needle into the muscle at the trigger point which is typically in an area where the muscle is tight and tender. The intent of TDN is to normalize the muscle tone, therefore improving the mobility of the muscle and decreasing the symptoms. Dry Needling is performed by a licensed physiotherapist who has received additional training in this technique and uses modern research based on neuroanatomy. TDN is virtually pain-free and is often effective treatment for myofascial pain. Myofascial pain can be a component of many conditions, including joint problems and soft tissue pathologies. TDN/Dry Needling can be powerful adjunctive treatment with physiotherapy.
What other treatments performed by a physiotherapist will accompany TDN/Dry Needling?
The physiotherapist will also address biomechanical muscle imbalances, postural dysfunctions, muscular flexibility limitation, strength deficits, and swollen or stiff joints. The physiotherapy treatment may include joint mobilization, a carefully designed therapeutic exercise plan, and advanced hands-on therapy techniques. These will help restore a patient’s optimal physical function to assist them in returning to an active pain-free lifestyle.
What conditions has TDN/Dry Needling shown to help combined with physiotherapy treatment?
1) Acute and chronic tendonitis
2) Athletic and sports-related overuse injuries
3) Post-surgical pain
4) Post-traumatic injuries, motor vehicle collisions, and work-related injuries
5) Chronic pain conditions
6) Headaches and whiplash
7) Lower back pain
8) Neuropathies
9) Bursitis
Is TDN/Dry Needling painful?
Dry Needling involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the muscle in the region of a “Trigger Point’. The aim of Dry Needling is to achieve a local twitch response to release muscle tension and pain. Dry needling is an effective treatment for chronic pain of neuropathic origin with very few side effects.
Is TDN/Dry Needling safe and effective?
While the name of the procedure may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations.
Is there a difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
The true technique and medicine of acupuncture is not applied through dry needling because dry needling is just the process of inserting a needle in an area of pain. Also, “dry needling” only targets pain, whereas acupuncture treats a wide range of ailments including pain.
How long does it take for TDN/Dry Needling to work?
In many cases, improved mobility and decreased pain can be immediate, and in combination with a well-rounded physiotherapy treatment plan, can have lasting effects. The number of treatment sessions will vary depending on the needs of each individual client as determined by the physiotherapist.
Where is this service offered and by whom?
Our skilled and experienced physiotherapist at SHC, Loida Mata recently completed the Trigger Point Dry Needling course and is certified to perform dry needling as part of her physiotherapy treatment services.
Contact our friendly staff by email or call 403.556.9911 to set up an appointment with Loida.
