Dry Needling
Dry needling, also known as Western medical acupuncture, is a highly effective technique for releasing spasmic or overactive muscles. When a fine sterile needle is inserted into a trigger point, it provokes a local twitch response, increasing blood flow and stimulating a natural healing reaction. This helps reduce pain, promote tissue repair, and restore mobility in a way that manual therapy alone sometimes cannot reach.
At DISC, every use of dry needling is targeted and evidence informed. It is particularly valuable for patients with chronic conditions such as tendinopathies or posturally overloaded muscles, where deeper muscular tension contributes to pain. Ideally, dry needling is introduced once the underlying reason a muscle is chronically braced has been addressed through other aspects of our protocol, allowing the technique to work more effectively and deliver longer‑lasting results.
Therefore, it is not recommended during the acute inflammatory stage of a new disc injury; in later phases, it can be a powerful adjunct to chiropractic care. Patients often report immediate improvements in ease of movement, reduced spasm, and better overall function following treatment.
You’ll probably have just noted there is a word of caution here, as a clinic that specialises in slipped discs and trapped nerves people think that acupuncture is a no-brainer to release the inevitable muscle spasm occurring alongside. However, it’s important to understand the body’s defence mechanism is clever, and muscle spasm, especially when dealing with acute onset pain is designed to protect the structures underneath.
To this end we must respect that dry needling is a powerful way to relax the muscle in a short space of time, potentially removing the defence mechanism and bringing more pressure onto the damaged disc, further exacerbating the patient’s condition. So, both we at DISC Surbiton and the NHS in general, do not recommend using acupuncture in the acute phase of a trapped nerve or slipped disc.
The rest of this article will therefore outline the potential benefits for patients who have moved beyond those very first angry day and are now in the slow living hell that is chronic pain.
When performed by trained professionals, Dry needling is a safe and effective technique that can bring numerous benefits to our patients.
It focuses on releasing trigger points, those tight knots in muscles, providing effective pain relief for our patients, by deactivating trigger points and promoting muscle relaxation, dry needling helps reduce painful muscle spasms.
Patients often experience improved flexibility following a treatment session, leading to better overall movement and range of motion.
Additionally, Dry needling stimulates blood flow to the treated areas, promoting faster healing and tissue repair. Better blood supply also aids in the reduction of inflammation that when chronic is detrimental to healing.
Through targeting neural pathways, dry needling can reduce nerve sensitivity and alleviate nerve-related pain, such as sciatica. As well as release of Endorphins and Natural Painkillers therefore triggering the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanism.
Over time dry needling can enhance neural connectivity and motor control which strengthens neural connections, leading to better motor control and coordination and by addressing muscular imbalances and tension, dry needling can help improve posture and alignment, reducing strain on the spine.
Dry needling is generally safe when performed by trained professionals, with minimal after effects, such as mild soreness.
At The DISC Chiropractors, we believe in offering our patients a comprehensive and holistic approach to healing, and dry needling plays a vital role in achieving this goal. Our experienced chiropractors are well-versed in this art and are dedicated to providing you with the best care possible. Experience the benefits of dry needling as part of your chiropractic journey with us today!
