Myofascial Dry Needling Technique

At The Chiropractic Centre Wilton, we utilise traditional acupuncture needles in a western technique known as myofascial dry needling. Your chiropractor David Morley will often use this technique if he feels that there are areas of hyper-irritability within the muscle belly that are contributing to your overall symptoms. In the medical profession, these are known as trigger points, and extensive clinical research has been done on their existence. In order to coax the muscle to relax, we can either use direct pressure (sometimes known as trigger point therapy), deep tissue massage. By far the least painful and the most effective is to use acupuncture needles in a dry needling technique.

What About the Needles?

The most common question we get is about the needles we use. Most people have encountered hypodermic needles and sewing needles. Both types are gigantic compared to the ones we use. In fact, our needles are only 0.35mm thick. They come in an individual sterile blister pack for each needle. Your chiropractor David Morley will only use each needle once, after which they are safely disposed of in an appropriate medical ‘sharps box’.

Feels Great

When we first insert these ultra-fine, sterile needles at special points on your body, some people report a small prick, like a mosquito bite, but most people feel nothing! When there is discomfort it is usually created by vivid imaginations, not our needles! Please remember that we offer choices. Our chiropractor David Morley will go through with you the pros & cons of this treatment option. Depending on your health history, acupuncture is sometimes not recommended.

How Does it Work?

It is thought that the acupuncture needles work in the same way as acupressure in that you stimulate the stretch reflex in the muscle causing a reflexive relaxation in the muscle belly. Furthermore, putting acupuncture needles in a muscle will stimulate the body’s own defence and healing mechanisms. Most people experience a variety of post-session feelings, which range from energised to a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.