Dry Needling
What is dry needling?
At Witteveen Gezond we specialize in Dry Needling. Dry Needling is a treatment method within physiotherapy. By means of a special technique, muscles are punctured and in this way relax quickly and for a long time. Dry needling uses a 'dry' acupuncture needle, so no fluid is injected into the muscle.
Dry needling: not the same as acupuncture
With acupuncture, several needles are often placed superficially in the body, which remain there for some time and influence the 'energy' in the body. Dry needling usually uses one needle, which can be used for a short period of time in the body. muscle is stimulated. Dry needling works on specific points called 'trigger points' and is not an 'energy' treatment.
What is a 'trigger point'?
A trigger point is a pressure sore spot in a muscle, which, in addition to the local pressure pain, often also causes pain at a distance. The physiotherapist looks for these places, because they can often be the main cause of your complaints.
Trigger points can manifest themselves in:
pain/stiffness locally in a muscle: pain at a distance
movement limitations in associated joints
decreased strength in the involved muscle(s)
Pain avoiding behaviour: you will move 'differently'
cold, heat, chills, headache, dizziness, etc.
How can trigger points arise?
Acute - e.g. due to a wrong movement or accident
Chronic: due to a prolonged incorrect posture
Long-term overload of e.g. arm, shoulder and/or neck during computer use (RSI, CANS)
Overload / injuries in athletes
Tissue damage such as a meniscus injury or a hernia
Prolonged absence of movement, e.g. due to plaster cast
Psychological factors such as stress and depression
Foot deformities or differences in leg length (e.g. after a bone fracture or surgery)
Sleep deprivation
Clothes that are too tight or wearing a backpack incorrectly
What does the physiotherapist do?
The physiotherapist will first of all analyze your complaints by means of a conversation and a targeted examination. After that, the muscles that may be causing your pain will be examined in more detail. Specifically, those muscles are searched for those conscious trigger points. The physiotherapist will treat exactly those places to relax the muscles.
What does the treatment focus on?
The treatment is aimed at eliminating these trigger points. These points in the muscle(s) are relaxed by targeting with a needle. In the case of long-term complaints, the therapist will often treat several muscles in your arm and leg, as well as the muscles along the spine.
What does dry needling feel like?
You hardly feel the insertion of the needle. When the correct trigger point is punctured, the muscle contracts briefly. This gives a kind of 'cramp' feeling. After that, the muscle usually relaxes immediately and you can move more easily. Often the treated part does feel a bit tired/stiff, but that is usually short-lived.
What happens next?
You will receive exercises and specific advice to keep up with the improved situation.
How much does dry needling cost?
This method is part of a normal physiotherapeutic treatment. If you are additionally insured, the costs for dry needling are in principle also included.