Dry needling involves the insertion of a thin filiform needle into a muscle at the site of myofascial trigger points (also known as pressure points or knots) with the aim of improving or restoring function. Dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and is increasingly being used by physiotherapists in the management of musculoskeletal and sports injuries.
The physiotherapists at 4 Life Physiotherapy are trained in dry needling and often use it in conjunction with other physiotherapy modalities as part of your overall treatment plan.

Dry Needling Works By:

• Improving blood flow – this brings nutrients and oxygen to the site to stimulate healing and helps to flush pain producing toxins out of the muscle.
• Relaxing tight muscles and reducing muscle spasm – dry needling has an inhibitory effect on muscles. Muscle spasm is often the cause of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal injuries.
• Release of neurochemicals, such as endorphins, serotonin and natural anti-inflammatory mediators which assist with pain relief and relaxation.

All of this results in a reduction in pain and dysfunction

At 4 Life Podiatry, Dry Needling is commonly used in the treatment of:

• Muscle strains including hamstring, quadriceps and calf injuries
• Hip and knee injuries
• Muscle tightness or spasm in glutes & legs
• Trigger point referred pain

As with all treatment modalities at 4 Life Podiatry your Podiatrist will explain the procedure to you and ask for your informed consent prior to commencing dry needling. If you are not comfortable with this procedure let your podiatrist know and they can discuss other treatment options with you.

Acupuncture Therapy

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises acupuncture as a mainstream treatment for many conditions including back pain, sciatica, arthritis, knee and foot pain, joint sprain, post op pain and many more conditions all over the body.

Modern research has proven the effectiveness of Acupuncture, showing that stimulation of certain points results in internal body changes. These changes include the release of hormones responsible for relaxation and pain relief, the stimulation of nerve pathways, altering of brain waves and brain chemistry (to sedate and relax), normalisation of the nervous system, the release of antibodies, and the raising of anti-histamine levels.