What is Dry Needling Therapy?

Dry needling therapy is a modern treatment designed to ease muscular and neuropathic (nerve generated) pain. During the procedure, a practitioner inserts an acupuncture needle into your skin. These are sterile, fine, short, stainless steel needles that don’t inject fluid into the body, which is why the term “dry” is used.

What are some dry needling benefits?

Dry needling benefits include management of mild-to-moderate muscular or nerve-generated pain via a non-invasive technique.

Is dry needling safe?

One of the common questions we receive is whether dry needling is safe. There are a few small risks, which may include:

  • Temporary soreness
  • Possible bruising
  • A drop of blood at the treatment point

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

While both techniques use the same type of needles, the approach for use is different between acupuncture and dry needling therapy.

Both acupuncture and dry needling therapy require the use of sterile, one-time use needles.

Both require the skin at the treatment area to be cleansed with Stanhexidine.

Acupuncture can entail using multiple needles, and leaving the needles in for 10-20 minutes depending on the desired treatment effects.

Dry needling therapy uses one needle at a time, with the goal of eliciting a twitch or an ache in the treatment area. Once that is achieved, the needle is removed and the next area is treated.

Acupuncture techniques do not require the practitioner to be gloved. Dry needling therapy used at our clinic require the use of nitrile gloves.

What sort of training do Physiotherapists need for Dry Needling?

There are many courses offered, but our therapists have taken courses that are held to the highest educational and examination standards.

Our therapists that practice Acupuncture are certified with the McMaster University program or through Acupuncture Canada.  They have undergone a rigorous examination procedure to determine their excellence with performing these techniques.

The therapists that practice Dry Needling Therapy have demonstrated at least 5 years of Orthopaedic experience and have achieved at least a Level 3 in their training (there are 5 levels) with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.  Their programs were taught through the University of British Colombia, or in conjunction with University of Western Ontario.

You can quickly schedule dry needling therapy with one of our licensed therapists via our website! Or if you have more questions on whether if dry needling is safe, or dry needling benefits, call our sports clinics at (416)-223-7364!