Dry needling is a treatment designed to ease muscular pain involving the placement of needles in trigger points to relieve muscular pain and stiffness, improve flexibility and increase range of motion.
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain, or cause local tenderness. Placement of the fine needle into a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point can decrease tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain. Dry needling can also be used to increase heeling potential of stubborn tendinosis, split tendon, and injured ligaments.
At Pivot Podiatry, we now offer dry needling treatment for lower limb pathologies presenting from the lower back (L4) down to the arch of the foot, including;
- Chronic plantar fasciitis
- Stubborn tendinopathies such as Achilles and peroneal tendinosis
- Localized and referred knee pain
- Inversion ankle sprains and injuries
- Lower back, glute and thigh muscle tightness and pain.
What to expect at an initial consult with our Podiatrist:
- A biomechanical and gait assessment;
- Possible referral and assessment of diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI);
- A personalized treatment plan involving specific needling location and technique in conjunction with an exercise regime of strengthening and stretching exercises .