Dry Needling / Medical Acupuncture

Dry needling (also known as medical acupuncture) is a safe treatment that is used for muscle pain and movement issues associated with myofascial trigger points. With this technique, thin acupuncture needles are inserted into or near trigger points.

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

At first glance, a patient receiving dry needling treatment and another receiving acupuncture may look exactly the same. Both methods use fine filament needles gently inserted into strategic locations in the body.

The fundamental difference between these techniques is that dry needling is based on human anatomy and the neurophysiological principles, while traditional acupuncture is based on traditional chinese medicine.  

Dry needling can rapidly bring lasting relief to muscle pain and leave them feeling much looser. It works particularly well for stubborn areas that manual massage alone can sometimes struggle to relieve.

What is involved in a dry needling treatment?

A consultation is required before/at your first treatment (usually emailed to you); this ensures dry needling is suitable for you. Typically, a dry needling is concentrated on specific painful areas.  

Your therapist will palpate to find the trigger point, insert the thin needle, move and twist it for up to 5 minutes then remove the needle and briefly massage the needled area using their thumbs. The needles stimulate your muscles, which causes them to contract or twitch. This procedure is hardly felt by the client. 

If at any stage you feel discomfort and pain, it is important to tell the therapist when this and if any pain you experience is outside your comfort range. 

Dry needling can take 20 minutes per area depending on how many areas are worked on will depend on how much time is spend using needles in a session. It is often used along side other treatment techniques such as sports massage/trigger point massage/connective tissue release, elsewhere on your body. 

Every treatment is tailored to the recipient's needs and towels are used to ensure your modesty, although we do suggest you wear shorts to your therapy session.

What are the benefits of dry needling?

It is used for muscle pain and movement issues associated with myofascial trigger points.

• Relaxes the muscles
• Boosts blood flow
• Diminishes inflammation
• Can trigger a healing response
• Works particularly well for stubborn areas that manual massage alone can sometimes struggle to relieve.

Dry needling is a safe technique for treating many musculoskeletal conditions including:

• Shoulder pain
• Rotator cuff pain
• Biceps tendinitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Achilles tendinitis
• Low back pain
• Tennis elbow
• Whiplash/Neck Pain
• Hip Pain
• Headaches

Airmid Therapies is certified by Newry Environmental Health Dept. to Carry Out Dry Needling Treatments.

Price:    For a 1 hour treatment of dry needling therapy £50.00

Our therapist Gavin offers Dry Needling.

Note: Dry Needling therapy is not a substitute for medical treatment nor is it a diagnostic system. Always consult a GP or other health professional for medical attention and advice.