Dry needling is a fantastic treatment option that our Podiatrists at Wagga Podiatry Plus offer for people suffering from muscle and tendon injuries who require some hands-on treatment to get them back on their feet ASAP.
The incredibly fine acupuncture-style needles are inserted into trigger points in the muscle belly of injured structures. It is thought that they work by stimulating a relaxation response in the nervous system which ultimately decreases pain and improves mobility.
Dry needling is a great adjunctive treatment and can help get you back mobile and active quicker. Typically, it is used as part of a wider treatment program when on the road to recovery from injury. Saying that, many of our patients love the way that it makes their legs feel that they use it on an “as need” basis even when they're recovered.
Whats involved?
A dry needle (fine acupuncture needle) is put into the skin and into the muscle. It is aimed at hte myofascial trigger points which are in a state of irritability. They can be put in at booth superficial and deep levels.
Trigger points are thought to be due to an excessive release of acetylcholine from selected motor endplates. They can cause both local pain and referred pain, impacting on muscle strength, range of motion and pain.
What is the evidence surrounding it?
The effectiveness of the treatment is very much dependent on the skill of the podiatrist or practitioner administering the treatment. They need to be able to accurately palpate the trigger point and be aware of the relevant anatomy in the area.
We get great results with dry needling and there is solid evidence that it can help, however more studies are needed. A cochrane review (2005) of RCTs concluded that trigger point dry needling may be beneficial for pain when used in combination with other treatments. However further higher quality studies are needed to confirm this.
If you think this is something that you or someone that you know may benefit from, feel free to give us a call at Wagga Podiatry Plus.
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