Dry Needling

Dry needling (also known as medical acupuncture) is a specialized technique used by podiatrists to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in the lower limbs. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile filament needles into “trigger points” – hyper-irritable spots within a muscle – to stimulate a healing response.

This powerful technique can eliminate the neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits. When these needles are inserted, they activate pain receptors in the muscles. This leads to an increase in blood flow to the affected area, which reduces muscle stiffness and inflammation. This also helps to restore oxygen levels and pH balance in the surrounding tissue. Overall, dry needling promotes healing and provides pain relief.

What can Dry Needling help with?

In Podiatry, Dry Needling is an effective tool for managing chronic pain and sports injuries. It is commonly used to treat:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Relieving tension in the foot arch and surrounding connective tissues.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: Reducing tightness in the calf muscles (Gastrocnemius and Soleus) that contributes to tendon strain.
• Morton’s Neuroma: Managing nerve-related pain and pressure in the forefoot.
• Shin Splints (MTSS): Addressing trigger points along the tibialis muscles.
• Ankle Sprains: Assisting in the rehabilitation of ligaments and tendons following an injury.
• Muscular Cramping: Reducing the frequency and intensity of nocturnal or exercise-induced calf and foot cramps.
• Osteoarthritis of the Foot & Ankle: Providing non-invasive pain management for stiff, aching joints.
• Referred Pain: Treating trigger points in the lower leg that cause referred pain felt in the heel or toes.