If you are searching for effective therapy in Geelong to relieve persistent muscle pain, dry needling may be the solution you need. Offered at Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies, dry needling is a modern treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to release tension and trigger points in tight muscles.
Many people confuse dry needling with acupuncture, but they are quite different. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique focused on restoring energy flow along meridians. Dry needling, however, is a treatment grounded in western medical science, targeting muscle knots directly to reduce pain and improve movement.
A Brief History of Dry Needling
Although dry needling has become more popular in recent years, its origins date back to the 1970s. Dr. Janet Travell, an American physician, was one of the first to map out myofascial trigger points and their link to chronic pain.
Initially, these trigger points were treated using injections, known as wet needling. Over time, researchers discovered that simply inserting the needle without injecting any substance produced similar results. This led to the development of dry needling, now used by physiotherapists, sports therapists, and clinics like Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies as part of a broader approach to managing musculoskeletal pain.
How Dry Needling Works
Muscles can develop tight, painful knots called myofascial trigger points when they are injured, overworked, or placed under repeated strain. These trigger points restrict movement, cause local tenderness, and can even send pain to other parts of the body.
During a dry needling session, a fine needle is inserted directly into these knots. This stimulates a twitch response from the muscle, which helps release the tightness. Blood flow to the area increases, which helps clear away inflammatory chemicals and promotes healing. The treatment also interferes with the nerve signals causing pain, helping to reset normal muscle function.
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?
At Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies, dry needling can be an effective treatment for many different conditions, including:
- Sports injuries, such as hamstring or calf strains
- Chronic muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or lower back
- Poor posture leading to muscle imbalances and tightness
- Tension headaches caused by muscle tightness in the neck
- Persistent pain linked to conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome
Dry needling is suitable for athletes, tradespeople, office workers, and anyone struggling with ongoing muscle tightness or discomfort.
What to Expect at Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies
If you are considering dry needling at Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies, here is what you can expect during your visit:
- A thorough assessment to understand your pain, posture, and muscle function
- Identification of trigger points contributing to your symptoms
- Careful insertion of fine, sterile needles into the trigger points
- A twitch response, which is a brief muscle contraction followed by a sense of release
- Aftercare advice, including recommended stretches or exercises to support your recovery
Some people experience mild soreness after treatment, similar to post-exercise soreness, which usually resolves within a day or two. Most people notice improved movement and reduced pain within 24 to 48 hours.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
If you are tired of muscle pain holding you back and want a treatment that addresses the root cause, dry needling could be a valuable addition to your care plan. At Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies, we use dry needling alongside other therapy techniques to provide tailored, effective care for every client.
To find out if dry needling could help you, contact Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies today and book your consultation.
