Physiotherapy Functional / Dry Needling Treatments In Okotoks
What is Functional / Dry Needling
Functional or dry needling is a therapeutic physiotherapy technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into specific trigger points or muscle knots to stimulate a healing response in the affected tissues. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western medical principles and focuses on the musculoskeletal system.
How Does Functional / Dry Needling Work
Functional or dry needling works by targeting myofascial trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots in the muscle that can cause pain and tension. The insertion of needles into these points stimulates blood flow, releases tight muscles, and disrupts pain signals to the brain. This process helps to reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, and promote healing by triggering the body's natural repair mechanisms.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Functional / Dry Needling
Functional or dry needling is effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic and acute pain, muscle tightness, and sports injuries. Common conditions treated with dry needling include lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, tension headaches, and plantar fasciitis. It can also be used to address conditions like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica by targeting specific trigger points and alleviating muscle tension.
What Can I Expect After My Functional / Dry Needling Treatment
After a functional or dry needling treatment, patients may experience immediate relief from pain and improved muscle function. Some may feel mild soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites, similar to the feeling after a deep tissue massage, which typically subsides within a day or two. Physiotherapists often provide post-treatment advice, including stretches and exercises, to help maintain the benefits of the needling and support long-term recovery. Patients might also notice improved range of motion, decreased muscle tightness, and improvements in posture following the treatment.
What is the Difference Between Functional / Dry Needling and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture?
The primary difference between functional or dry needling and acupuncture lies in their underlying principles and application. Dry needling is based on Western medical concepts and focuses on treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction by targeting specific trigger points in the muscles. In contrast, acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body's energy flow (Qi) by inserting needles into specific acupuncture points along meridians. While both techniques use needles, their goals, methodology, and theoretical foundations differ significantly. Dry needling specifically addresses muscle pain and tightness, whereas acupuncture encompasses a broader range of health concerns.
Come See Us At Big Rock Chiropractic, Conveniently Located In Central Okotoks
Big Rock Chiropractic, Physiotherapy & Massage
315 Woodgate Road, #101, Okotoks, AB, T1S1A8
Contact
Phone: (587) 952-7778
Email: hello@bigrockchiro.ca
We want your experience at Big Rock to be as seamless and easy as possible. To help with this we direct bill to almost all widely accepted Canadian benefit providers, helping you to focus on healing. Some of the insurance providers we direct bill are:
Direct Billing With All Major Healthcare Providers
Alberta Bluecross
Greenshield
CanadaLife
Sunlife
Desjardins Insurance
GroupSource
GroupHealth
Manulife
Peoples Corporation
Johnson Group
Equitable Life
Empire Life
Rest assured this is not an exhaustive list! If your provider is not on here we more than likely accept them, feel free to call or email us to be sure!
Interested in inquiring further? Sent us your question or comments and we will respond within one business day!