What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a western form of "acupuncture". Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and works along the meridian system. Dry needling, on the other hand, is based on western neuroanatomy and the modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Much research has been written on dry needling by Janet Travell MD, David Simons MD, Peter Baldry MD and Karel Lewit MD.
Dry needling can be a powerful additional treatment. Charlie will carry out a thorough new patient examination, and it may be recommended straight away that you have dry needling alongside your chiropractic adjustment. You can also request it from the beginning, or it may be recommended later on in your treatment.
How it improves function and reduces pain
A dry needle is applied to a muscular trigger point, which causes the muscle to relax through disruption of the motor endplate.
The needle causes a local healing response, helping to heal dysfunctional, painful tissue.
Pain is blocked when the neural pathway is stimulated.
If you'd like to know whether dry needling could help you, just ask Charlie at your next appointment or get in touch.