Can dry needling help my shoulder pain ?
The Role of Dry Needling in Myotherapy here in Geelong
Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can stem from various sources, including injuries, overuse, and underlying medical conditions. This type of pain can significantly hinder daily activities and reduce overall quality of life. Fortunately, Myotherapy, particularly dry needling, has emerged as an effective treatment for shoulder pain. In this blog, Tom aka The Manx Myotherapist will delve into what dry needling is, how it fits within Myotherapy, and its specific benefits for shoulder pain relief.
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy focused on the treatment and management of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions. It involves a range of techniques such as manual therapy, trigger point therapy, corrective exercises, and dry needling. Myotherapists are trained to assess and treat the underlying causes of pain, providing a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health.
Understanding Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique used within Myotherapy that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points in the muscles, known as trigger points. These points are areas of tight, sensitive muscle fibers that can cause pain and dysfunction. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in modern Western medicine principles and focuses on relieving muscle pain and improving function.
How Dry Needling Works
Dry needling targets trigger points to alleviate muscle tension and pain. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can causes a localized twitch response, which helps to release the tight muscle fibers. This process improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes the healing of injured tissues.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can arise from various factors, including:
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation in the group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder: A condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, often due to overuse.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint.
Arthritis: Degeneration of the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness.
Benefits of Dry Needling for Shoulder Pain
Pain Relief: Dry needling directly targets and deactivates trigger points, providing immediate relief from muscle pain and tension.
Improved Mobility: By releasing tight muscles, dry needling can enhance the range of motion in the shoulder.
Reduced Inflammation: The technique helps decrease inflammation in the affected area, promoting faster healing.
Enhanced Muscle Function: Dry needling can restore normal muscle function, improving strength and coordination.
Non-Invasive: Dry needling offers a non-surgical and drug-free approach to managing shoulder pain.
Integrating Dry Needling into Myotherapy
Dry needling is often used alongside other Myotherapy techniques to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. Here’s how it fits into a typical Myotherapy session:
Assessment: Tom will evaluate the shoulder to identify the source of pain and determine the presence of trigger points.
Dry Needling: Thin needles are inserted into identified trigger points to relieve muscle tension and pain.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage and joint mobilisation are used to further alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Corrective Exercises: During the session Tom can prescribe exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve stability and mobility the shoulder joint.
Education: Tom can provide advice on lifestyle changes, ergonomics, and stress management to support overall shoulder health.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
During a Geelong dry needling session, Tom will insert needles into specific points in the shoulder muscles. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, although some patients may experience a brief twitching sensation or mild discomfort when the needle activates a trigger point. Sessions typically last between 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes treatment can take time and multiple sessions could be required depending on the severity of the shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain can be debilitating, but dry needling within Myotherapy offers an effective and holistic approach to relief. By targeting trigger points and integrating various therapeutic techniques, Myotherapy not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying causes, promoting overall musculoskeletal health. If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, consider consulting reaching out to Tom, a Myotherapist here in Geelong. Book online here