Dry Needling…

You may have had one of these modalities done before or you may have just heard about them

But I’m sure you have wondered – what’s the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

The truth is that they are very similar, but vary differently.

Both of these techniques involve the insertion of a small thin needle into the skin, however they may vary from being stationery (acupuncture) for a few minutes or being moved/jiggled around. (dry needling) The sizes of the needles can also differ in length from 3cm to 7.5cm and also in thickness, but most are as thin as a fishing line. Typically acupuncture needles are a slightly smaller diameter than those used for dry needling.

The philosophy behind acupuncture is to ‘balance the flow of energy’ known as chi or qi. Through inserting needles into specific points along these pathways (known as meridians).

Compared to dry needling which targets tight/restricted muscle and myofascial tissue in order to increase blood flow to the region as well as stimulating muscle spindles.

Dry needling uses a very fine, solid filament needle which causes a small, precise injury or “lesion” in the tissue when it enters the body. The tiny needle induces injury signals the brain uses to initiate a sequence of events to replace or repair the damaged tissue with new, healthy tissue.

 

Interested in trying dry needling?  We do this at City Osteopathy, it can be very effective.

Our osteopaths Dr Austin Rizzardo and Dr Bronwyn La Brooy at City Osteopathy have both undertaken extra training in dry needling. Don’t hesitate to ask at your next appointment if it may be beneficial for you.