DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling is a technique used during a remedial massage, allowing for greater results as dry needling is a procedure where a fine needle is inserted into the skin and muscle to release tension, tightness and pain from knots and pressure points in muscles. The needles contain no liquid, and nothing is injected.
If you are pregnant and wish to have dry needling done, we can discuss this further via email.
Benefits of dry needling include:
Release of Trigger Points - a trigger point, often referred to as a ‘knot’ in the muscle, occurs when a group of muscle fibred don’t return to a relaxed, lengthened state after being activated. They can be painful during movements or touch. Dry needling aims to release these trigger points, relieving pain and improving movement in the affected area.
Decrease pain and discomfort - dry needling can target areas of pain, helping to release inflammatory chemicals, tension and pressure.
Improve range of motion - dry needling releases the myofascial trigger points, which lessens tension and compression. This allows for an improved range of motion. It is for this reason that dry needling can assist with injuries related to long term overuse or incorrect positioning e.g. tension caused from uncomfortable breastfeeding positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry needling safe throughout the entire pregnancy?
There has been a long-standing debate on the efficiency and safety of dry needling during pregnancy.
While some practitioners believe that dry needling is safe during all phases of pregnancy, others continue to assert that the use of this seemingly complex technique should be restricted during certain gestational weeks, or altogether.
Here at Aurea Healing Therapies, we head caution and therefore do not practice dry needling on pregnant women.
How should I feel after receiving dry needling?
Upon undergoing dry needling, you may experience some sensations such as muscle soreness, aching, and muscle twitches. These are viewed as a good sign of successful treatment! Once the twitch in the muscle is found and “released” the muscle relaxes with reduced pain, inflammation, improved circulation, and muscle function.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Both practices use very thin needles that are inserted into specific locations across the skin to trigger particular responses. Both can also help with pain relief. The difference between the two practices is in the methods and techniques involved to stimulate healing in the body. Dry needling is based on Western medical principles and focuses on evidence-based guidelines for application and therapeutic benefits.
What clothing do I wear during dry needling?
Dry needling can be performed with as much or as little clothing as you’re comfortable wearing – it’s always a personal decision. Usually, we recommend that you keep underwear on, and we use towels for coverage so only the parts that are being focused on are exposed.