Dry Needling Saskatoon

Dry needling is a specialized physiotherapy technique that is very effective in treating neuromuscular pain and dysfunction, including muscle tightness that has led to further musculoskeletal issues.

What is dry needling?

The practice of dry needling is quite distinct from other forms of physiotherapy treatment in the following ways:

• It is highly precise in targeting the problematic muscle(s) and/or tissue.
• It is one of the few non-surgical methods that can be employed beyond superficial treatment of the muscles and tissue.
• It can influence the nervous system and be used to either activate or deactivate different regions of the body through the muscle tissue.

Benefits of dry needling

Dry needling can be used as the primary treatment for pain management or tension reduction. It can also be used as an assisting mode of treatment along with other techniques to achieve mobility, function, fitness, and/or activity goals of the patient. Dry needling is especially effective in decreasing muscle tension and releasing trigger points – taut bands of hyperirritable muscle tissue.

What to expect during a dry needling session

As a physiotherapist certified in dry needling, Scott offers this service as a treatment option and as an enhancement to complement your current treatment plan. A thin pin-like needle will be used to directly target the area(s) of concern identified through your diagnosis. The needle will penetrate the muscle and will be carefully manipulated in order to release tightness and work knots leading to pain relief and improved range of motion.

Does dry needling hurt?

The sensation of dry needling is interpreted differently by everyone, but don’t let the thought of needles deter you from considering this treatment technique. Patients often experience long sought after pain relief with dry needling while other treatments may not have been as effective. Some may feel little to no discomfort while others might feel a prick, deep ache, cramp, and/or muscle twitch. The duration and severity of discomfort is dependent on the anatomy and physiological condition that the tissue being treated is in. Overall, the level of discomfort may range from none to mild or moderate though the potential results can be considerably beneficial.

Dry needling vs acupuncture

Dry needling vs acupuncture is a common question we get and there are some notable differences to consider.

Does dry needling hurt after the appointment?

You may feel a deep ache or bruise the following day or two after having dry needling. The deep ache is a response of the neuromuscular system, and the bruising is a small amount of blood around the area promoting healing after the treatment. Each of these are normal to experience after dry needling and should only last temporarily.