Dry Needling for Neck Pain and Headaches

What is Dry Needling? 

Dry needling is a unique form of treatment that has been used by physiotherapists in recent years for the treatment of pain. This form of treatment involves the use of filiform needles which are also commonly used in acupuncture. Unlike acupuncture which focuses on needling areas depending on the meridian body chart,  dry needling penetrates into the affected muscles in order to deactivate trigger points caused by muscle dysfunction and tightness.

Benefits of Dry Needling  

The benefits of dry needling are widely experienced by patients. If you are suffering from neck pain, shoulder pain or heachaches and are interested in this therapy, our physiotherapists are qualified dry needling practitioners.  When used to treat these and other conditions, dry needling can have many benefits. These include; 

1. Pain relief

2. Improved range of movement

3. Improved function in the affected body part

4. Improved muscle activation

5. Decreased muscle spasms

6. Increased blood flow 

What to Expect

Your physiotherapist will identify the areas where you need treatment and give you a treatment program. Often, it is accompanied with a range of other physiotherapy treatments such as manual therapy and targeted exercises to ensure that you achieve optimal pain relief,  and recovery. 

Once your physiotherapist has identified the affected muscles and tissues, they insert the thin solid filiform needle into the trigger point. This simulates the neurological sensors in the body causing your muscle to relax. 

Is it painful? 

When it comes to dry needling, here at Ballsbridge Physio we aim to minimise any associated pain during treatment. The needles used vary in size depending on the size of muscle and location of injury. Some people may feel a small pinprick as the needle is inserted and sometimes a muscle ache or twitch can be experienced, both of which are normal and temporary.

If you would like to know about dry needling treatment or would like to book an appointment, contact us here at our Dublin 4 Clinic.