Dry Needling Point Cook
Dry needling is the use of fine, stainless steel needles to treat muscular conditions such as muscle pain (trigger points or ‘knots’), sporting injuries, scars and tendonitis.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture? Though acupuncture and dry needling both treat with needles, they have very different philosophies and origins. Dry needling is a modern treatment used to treat muscular conditions and originated in the last few decades from evidence-based studies. Acupuncture originated thousands of years ago and is used as a whole health treatment.
Where did dry needling originate?
In 1942 physician Dr. Janet Travell and her colleagues published a method of treating muscular conditions they called intramuscular infiltration, where they would inject trigger points (muscle ‘knots’) with Procaine Hydrochloride - a local anaesthetic.
Then in 1979 Karen Lewit discovered that it was not the anaesthetic that was responsible for pain relief, but the mechanical stimulation of the trigger point with the needle.
There have since been numerous studies on the effectiveness of dry needling, and it is now accepted and used as an effective treatment for muscular pain.
Our therapist Ramy also offers Electro-Needling, which enhances dry-needling by causing the muscle to twitch, improving blood circulation to the trigger point. We have answered frequently asked questions below if you want to learn more.
Electro-Dry Needling Point Cook
The E-Stim unit
In our Point Cook clinic we love dry needling because we get great results! Dry needling is our remedial massage therapist Ramy’s jam! It is one of his favourite techniques for muscular pain relief, and when combined with an electrical current the results are even better!
So how does electro dry needling work? It sounds a bit scary, but there is nothing to fear! Once the needles are inserted into the trigger point, the electro-stimulation unit (E-Stim) is attached to the needles using the probes, and an electrical current is fed through the needle into the muscle.
So, does it hurt? Nah! Sometimes you might feel a bit of very mild sharpness as the muscle contracts, but it is nothing painful, and offers much relief!
Intrigued and want to try? Book online here in and select it as an ‘add on’ when booking a remedial massage in our Point Cook clinic.
Please note dry needling is offered only by our therapist Ramy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dry Needling covered by private health insurance?
Yes! As it is one of the tools in the remedial massage therapists tool kit. We have HICAPS available in the clinic so you can claim your private health insurance on the spot. Just don’t forget to bring your health insurance card :)
Is Dry Needling acupuncture?
Though acupuncture and dry needling both treat with needles, they have very different philosophies and origins. Dry needling is a modern treatment used to treat muscular conditions and originated in the last couples of decades from evidence-based studies. Acupuncture originated thousands of years ago and is used as a whole health treatment as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What are the benefits of Dry Needling?
We use dry needling to treat muscular pain and tension by releasing the ‘knots’ (trigger points) in muscles. By treating the trigger points, we can hope to see an improved range of motion and flexibility.
Dry needling may help with low back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, tendonitis such as Tennis elbow and Golfers elbow, sciatica/piriformis syndrome, headaches, and even scars.
Can dry needling help sciatica?
Unless you have been diagnosed with sciatica due to a herniated disk, narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), or bone spurs etc - which dry needling cannot help with - the pain you are feeling (pain in the glutes than may run down the leg into the foot) could also be due to Piriformis syndrome. This is where the piriformis muscle becomes tight and compresses the sciatic nerve. Dry needling can help to release the muscle, therefore reducing compression on the nerve.
Does Dry Needling hurt? Is Dry Needling painful?
Most times you won’t even feel the needle, or it will be a little sensitive when inserted into a good trigger point, but this should pass in a couple of seconds. Or you might feel the muscle twitch when it finds that good spot. It can also feel very relieving as the muscle releases.
Our therapists are experienced professionals and will communicate throughout the process to ensure you are comfortable and have the best experience possible.
Is Dry Needling safe?
Yes dry needling is a safe treatment. We wouldn’t offer it if it wasn’t! Adverse effects can include bruising or bleeding, but these are very rare, and if they do occur, should be minor.
Our therapists are well trained and qualified, and only have your comfort in mind. We use very fine single use (individually packaged) needles, and will communicate with you throughout your treatment to ensure you are feeling comfortable. Most of the time you won’t even feel the needle!
Can dry needling help low back pain?
Yes! That is providing the back pain is due to sore tight muscles. If you are coming in with back pain we won’t just be treating your back, but also your glutes/hips, hamstrings and quads, as all of these muscles can tighten and lead to back pain.
Do all the therapists offer dry needling in your Point Cook clinic?
No only Ramy offers dry needling in our Point Cook clinic. When booking a remedial massage, please select the option to add on dry needling when making your appointment.