Dry Needling Therapy in Holland Park, Brisbane

Are you exploring treatment options for muscle pain, stiffness, or specific tender points, sometimes referred to as ‘knots’? You may have heard about Dry Needling, a technique used by various trained healthcare professionals, including suitably qualified chiropractors, physiotherapists, and medical practitioners, to manage musculoskeletal conditions. At Silky Oak Chiropractic, Dr. Jan Jones has undertaken specific post-graduate training and may utilise Dry Needling as part of a comprehensive care plan when clinically indicated. It’s important to understand what Dry Needling involves and how it differs from other therapies like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture. This page provides information about Dry Needling as offered within our Holland Park practice.

What is Dry Needling? Understanding the Technique

Dry Needling is an invasive procedure where fine filament needles (similar in appearance to acupuncture needles but used based on different principles) are inserted through the skin into underlying muscle tissue, specifically targeting areas of dysfunction such as myofascial trigger points.

Key Distinctions from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture: It is crucial to differentiate Dry Needling from TCM Acupuncture. While both use similar needles, their underlying philosophies, assessment methods, and application rationales differ significantly:

  • Dry Needling: Is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. Needles are inserted into specific points identified through palpation and musculoskeletal assessment, primarily targeting myofascial trigger points, tight muscle bands, or connective tissues to elicit a specific physiological response.
  • TCM Acupuncture: Is based on traditional Chinese philosophy involving the flow of Qi (energy) along meridians. Needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points located along these meridians to rebalance energy flow and treat a wide range of systemic conditions.

At Silky Oak Chiropractic, the needling performed is Dry Needling, based on anatomical and physiological principles.

Myofascial Trigger Points: Dry Needling often focuses on myofascial trigger points. These are typically described as hyperirritable spots located within a taut band of skeletal muscle. They can be tender to touch and may refer pain or other sensations to predictable areas distant from the trigger point itself.

How Does Dry Needling Work? Proposed Mechanisms

The precise mechanisms by which Dry Needling may exert its effects are still being researched, but several potential pathways based on current understanding include:

1. Eliciting a Local Twitch Response (LTR): Inserting a needle into an active trigger point often elicits an LTR – an involuntary, brief contraction of the muscle fibres within the taut band. This response is thought by proponents to potentially disrupt the dysfunctional tissue, alter nerve activity, and contribute to muscle relaxation and pain reduction.

2. Mechanical Disruption: The physical presence and manipulation of the needle within the muscle tissue may mechanically disrupt contracted or adhered fibres within the trigger point area.

3. Neurophysiological Effects:

  • Pain Modulation: Needle insertion stimulates sensory nerve receptors (mechanoreceptors and nociceptors) in the muscle. This stimulation may modulate pain signals at the spinal cord level (via the Gate Control Theory) or influence pain processing in the brain (e.g., through descending inhibitory pathways or release of endogenous opioids).
  • Altered Nerve Activity: May help normalise the excessive electrical activity often associated with trigger points.

4. Local Biochemical Changes: Needling may influence the local environment within the muscle tissue, potentially improving microcirculation (blood flow) and altering the concentration of various chemicals associated with pain and inflammation.

It is important to acknowledge that these mechanisms are theoretical models based on research, and the relative contribution of each may vary depending on the individual and the specific application.

Potential Applications of Dry Needling in Musculoskeletal Care

Dry Needling is used as one component of a broader treatment strategy for certain musculoskeletal conditions where assessment identifies relevant myofascial trigger points or muscle dysfunction. It is not typically used as a standalone treatment. Conditions where Dry Needling may be considered as part of a management plan include:

  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes: Conditions characterised by pain originating from trigger points.
  • Muscle Strains and Tension: Assisting in managing pain and tightness associated with muscle strains or chronic muscular tension (e.g., neck/shoulder tension, tension-type headaches where muscle triggers are implicated).
  • Certain Types of Joint Pain: Where muscle dysfunction (tightness, trigger points in surrounding muscles) is identified as a significant contributing factor to joint pain or restricted movement (e.g., some shoulder or hip conditions).
  • Sports Injuries: Managing muscle pain, tightness, or specific trigger points related to athletic activities.

Evidence Considerations: Scientific evidence, primarily from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, suggests that Dry Needling can be effective for short-term reductions in pain and improvements in range of motion, particularly for individuals with myofascial trigger point pain in the upper body (Reference 1, 2, 3, 4). Evidence regarding long-term effectiveness or its superiority over other active interventions (like specific exercises or other manual therapies) is often less conclusive or requires further high-quality research. Therefore, Dry Needling is typically integrated with other evidence-based approaches, including exercise prescription and patient education.

The Dry Needling Process: What to Expect at Silky Oak Chiropractic

If Dry Needling is considered appropriate for you after a thorough assessment, the process involves:

1. Assessment and Identification: Dr. Jones will perform a detailed history and physical examination to determine if Dry Needling is suitable and safe for you, and to accurately locate the target tissues (e.g., palpable trigger points, taut muscle bands).

2. Informed Consent: The procedure will be explained clearly, including the sensations you might feel, potential benefits, potential risks and side effects, and alternative treatment options. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before providing informed consent.

3. Preparation and Procedure: You will be positioned comfortably. The skin over the target area will be cleaned. Sterile, single-use filament needles are used for every insertion. The needle(s) will be inserted directly into the identified points. You might feel a brief prick, a dull ache, a muscle twitch (LTR), or sometimes minimal sensation. The needles may be left in place for a short period or gently manipulated depending on the intended effect.

4. Post-Needling Care: After the needles are removed safely, there might be temporary muscle soreness, aching, or minor bruising at the insertion sites. Dr. Jones will provide advice on managing any post-treatment soreness (e.g., heat, gentle stretching) and appropriate activity levels.

Safety and Training

Patient safety is our priority.

  • Specific Training: Registered health professionals using Dry Needling in Australia must undertake specific post-graduate training that meets the requirements of their registration board. Dr. Jan Jones has completed such training to ensure competent and safe application of the technique.
  • Sterile Technique: We strictly adhere to infection control protocols, using only sterile, single-use needles for each patient and employing clean techniques during insertion and removal.
  • Potential Side Effects: The most common side effects are temporary local soreness, minor bleeding, or bruising at the needling site. Less common effects can include temporary aggravation of symptoms or feeling faint.
  • Potential Risks: While rare when performed by a trained practitioner using proper technique, potential risks associated with needling exist. These include nerve irritation or injury, significant bleeding (especially in patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants), or organ puncture (e.g., pneumothorax if needling near the chest wall). A thorough assessment of your health history helps minimise these risks. It is important to inform Dr. Jones of any relevant conditions (e.g., bleeding disorders, compromised immunity, pregnancy, metal allergies, needle phobia, history of pneumothorax).

References:

(Note: These references focus on systematic reviews of Dry Needling for musculoskeletal conditions.)

  1. Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain (Systematic Review): Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(3):133-149. (Commonly cited review showing short-term benefits for pain/disability).  
  2. Dry Needling Effectiveness & Safety (Systematic Review): Boyles R, Fowler R, Ramsey D, Burrows E. Effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for multiple body regions: a systematic review. J Man Manip Ther. 2015;23(5):276-293. (Review covering multiple body regions).  
  3. Dry Needling Mechanisms & Efficacy (Review): Dommerholt J, Mayoral del Moral O, Gröbli C. Trigger point dry needling. J Man Manip Ther. 2006;14(4):70E-87E. (Review discussing mechanisms and application).
  4. Dry Needling vs. Other Therapies (Systematic Review Example): Navarro-Santana MJ, Sanchez-Infante J, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, et al. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Myofascial Trigger Points Associated With Neck Pain Symptoms: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2020;9(10):3300. (Example comparing DN to other interventions, often finding short-term equivalence or benefit).  

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page describes Dry Needling Therapy as utilised within our practice and is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or chiropractic advice or guarantee specific outcomes. Dry Needling is an invasive procedure with potential benefits and risks that should be discussed with a qualified practitioner. Its effectiveness can vary depending on the individual, the condition being addressed, and its integration into a comprehensive management plan. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as Dr. Jan Jones who is trained in Dry Needling, for a thorough assessment, diagnosis, and discussion of appropriate treatment options based on your individual circumstances and health status. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Treatment outcomes can vary.