The practice of ‘dry needling’ involves inserting an acupuncture needle into a trigger point and is typically used to treat the pain associated with injuries. A trigger point is a tender spot in a tight band of muscle which causes pain when pressed or squeezed.
Is acupuncture the same thing as ‘dry needling’?
The increasing prevalence of the term ‘dry needling’ has created some confusion. Acupuncture practice incorporates many different needling techniques and a variety of these may be required to gain the best results. Dry needling, also known as trigger point acupuncture or, more traditionally, as ashi acupuncture, refers to just one of these techniques.
Dry needling is very safe. Serious side effects are very rare, less than 1 in every 10,000 treatments. More often than not these incidents occur when practitioners have not been appropriately trained.
Does dry needling have side effects?Drowsiness occurs after treatment in a small number of patients, and, if affected you are advised not to drive.
Minor bleeding or bruising occurs after dry needling in about 3% of treatments.
Pain during treatment occurs in 1% of treatments
Existing symptoms can get worse after treatment (less than 3% of patients). You should tell your practitioner about this, but it is usually a good sign
NB: Before treatment you will be asked to sign a consent form (please see below) and discuss any potential contra indications with the practitioner.
Rates First Appointment (90 minutes) – £75 Follow up (60 minutes) – £60
