Dry Needling

A tiny needle or an acupuncture needle is introduced into the skin and muscle during a dry needling therapy. It's designed to target myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are hyperirritable locations in skeletal muscle that are linked to a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band.

Indications

• Identification of myofascial trigger points in the muscle through palpation
• Deep dry needling reproduces the patient's pattern of pain
• Identification of 'Jump' and 'Shout' sign on palpation on MTrP.

Absolute Contra-indications

DN therapy should be avoided in patients under the following circumstances:

1. In a patient with needle fobia.
2. Patient unwillng - fear, patient belief.
3. Unable to give consent - communication, cognitive, age-related factors.
4. Medical emergency or acute medical condition.
5. Over an area or limb with lymphedema as this may increase the risk of infection/cellulitis and the difficulty of fighting the infection if one should occur.
6. Inappropriate for any other reason.

Relative Contraindications

1. Abnormal bleeding tendency
2. Compromised immune system
3. Vascular disease
4. Diabetes
5. Pregnancy
6. Children
7. Frail patients
8. Patients with epilepsy
9. Phychological status
10. Patient allergies
11. Patient medication
12. Unsuitable patient for any reason