Dry needling is an invasive technique using filament needles to create small lesions in soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) to facilitate a healing response. This helps mediate pain pathways and promote a return of balance in the body (homeostasis).The name “dry needling” comes from the fact that the needles are not hollow and are not used for injections and/or fluid transmission.

Dry needling uses a Western anatomical model to determine needle placement. Your therapist will target trigger points, myofascial points, or tight muscle bands to help improve muscle tone, promote local healing, and create an ideal environment for optimal muscle function.

Dry needling can be used to:

  • Activate weak muscles
  • Release tight muscle bands
  • Improve local healing
  • Increase blood flow to ligaments/tendons

CUPPING

Cupping is a technique that utilizes negative pressure to stretch superficial structures in the human body including skin, fascia and muscle tissue. The goal of cupping is to increase microcirculation to enhance the healing process in injured soft tissues. Depending on the placement and intensity of the suction, cupping may result in localized bruising which will go away on its own.

Cupping can be a good supplement to dry needling as it further increases local blood flow to injured tissues.