MYOFASCIAL DRY NEEDLING VS ACUPUNCTURE
While they use similar needles and have a shared aim to provide relief from dysfunction, these practices are otherwise very different.

Acupuncture is a modality used in Chinese medicine that's been around for thousands of years. The treatment involves placing needles into specific areas associated with energy pathways (known as meridian lines) that link to internal organs, altering energy flow or ‘chi’ to create balance in the body and treat a range of various pathological conditions.

Myofascial Dry needling was developed in the 1980s and follows Western medical anatomical and neurophysiological guidelines. This treatment involves administering thin filament needles into areas of concern. Effectively eliminating Myofascial Trigger Points associated with many musculoskeletal/ neuromuscular conditions and pain syndromes.

WHAT IS A MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT?
Myofascial Trigger Points are a huge part of what manual therapists treat in their clinics. ‘Myofascial’ links muscle and fascia (the thin connective tissue surrounding your muscles), and a Trigger Point is a hyperirritable “knot” within a taut band of the Myofascial complex.

Every muscle has trigger points, however, not all produce pain. This comes when collections of fibres remain ‘locked’ in a contracted state for extended periods, forming taut bands of fibres with nodules or “knots” present. In this ‘locked‘ state there‘s reduced blood flow to the area, therefore, reduced nutrients and oxygen to this portion of muscle which would have allowed the fibres to return to their normal resting state. So the alarm bells of the nervous system ring and an inflammatory response, thus pain, begins.

WHY DOES A TRIGGER POINT FORM?
There are many ways a Myofascial Trigger Point may form, such as improper ergonomics, posture, stress, injury and direct trauma, to name a few. All of which involve repetitive, overuse or extreme muscle contractions. This leads to the formation of taut bands, the first response to biomechanical stress. Two types of trigger points can form, latent trigger points, in which pain can only be felt on direct palpation or contraction; and active trigger points, which latent trigger points can develop into. Active trigger points can be felt without direct palpation and for most, pain is constantly experienced. Both can not only cause local pain, tenderness and reduced range of motion but also refer pain elsewhere, due to malfunctioning nociceptors - sensory receptors that respond to stimuli that could be potentially damaging.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Myofascial Dry Needling works by creating vasodilation (dilation of the vessels), thereby allowing increased blood supply and provision of oxygen and nutrients to the area. The stimulus of the needle also stimulates the tight muscle fibres (actin‐myosin bonds) enabling them to relax. Regarding decreasing pain, via local and central nervous system responses, the sensation of the needle insertion stimulates the brain to release endorphins, producing a short-term analgesic. Finally, depending on the severity of the trigger point, aggressive Myofascial Dry Needling can be used to ultimately destroy the dysfunctional tissue and force the body to repair the area completely.

CONDITIONS MYOFASCIAL DRY NEEDLING CAN HELP
From your head to your hands and feet, Dry Needling is a safe and effective treatment to help relieve pain, increase your range of motion and generally aid the body in healing many musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, such as:
- Jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Repetitive strain injuries: carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow
Neck pain and related tension headaches/migraines
Myofascial Trigger Point pain and dysfunction
Inflammatory issues, such as Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis
Acute and chronic back pain
Gluteal or piriformis pain/dysfunction
Shoulder pain/dysfunction
Disc and vertebrae issues
Hip and knee pain
Joint issues

IS IT SAFE?
Dry needling is a safe, minimally painful and often very effective technique for people with certain musculoskeletal conditions and for many a game-changer in improving their quality of life. However, like any invasive procedure, there are risks. Mild adverse effects can include minor bleeding and bruising or an increase in discomfort during and immediately after treatment, which are likely to resolve within 1-2 days and are not common. The only major risk is a pneumothorax (punctured lung) when working in this area, however, in the hands of a trained therapist, it’s extremely unlikely to occur. Talk with your primary care provider if you are experiencing muscle, tendon or ligament pain. Working together, you and your healthcare team will determine if dry needling is right for you.

It is contraindicated for people with:
🚫Epilepsy 🚫Cancer 🚫Bleeding Disorders 🚫Sensory impairment
🚫Patients with needle phobia 🚫Into an area with lymphoedema
🚫Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners)
🚫Compromised immune systems