1. Individualized physiotherapy assessments and treatment plans with a focus on manual therapy and rehabilitative exercise
2. Acupuncture and auricular acupuncture
3. Bracing and custom bracing
   • Custom bracing for post-op conditions such as ACL repair or for knee osteoarthritis
   • General bracing for all extremities and spinal support
4. Urban Poling (aka. Nordic walking) private lessons

1. Musculoskeletal injuries
2. Repetitive stress and/or strain injuries
3. Injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident
4. Post-surgical rehabilitation
5. Sports injuries
6. Back pain, neck pain, spinal injuries
7. Muscle imbalances
8. Arthritis pain and stiffness
9. Neurological conditions
10. Chronic pain

Dry needling (DN) is a technique used to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue, and, diminish persistent peripheral nociceptive input, and reduce or restore impairments of body structure and function leading to improved activity and participation. It assists with decreasing local muscular pain and improving function through the restoration of a muscle’s ability to lengthen and shorten normally

It involves the insertion of a thin filament needle into the center of a myofascial trigger point. Following this, blood pools around the needle triggering the contracted muscle fibers to relax by providing those fibers with fresh oxygen and nutrients, as well as by flushing away any additional acidic chemicals.

Basically, Dry Needling consists of inserting a small needle into a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point, also known as a knot in the muscle, is a group of muscle fibres, which have shortened when activated but have not been able to lengthen back to a relaxed state after use.

A myofascial trigger point is characterised by the development of a sensitive nodule in the muscle. This occurs as the muscle fibres become so tight that they compress the capillaries and nerves that supply them. As a result, the muscle is unable to move normally, obtain a fresh blood supply containing oxygen and nutrients, or flush out additional acidic chemicals. In addition to this nodule, the remainder of the muscle also tightens to compensate.

The presence of a myofascial trigger point in a muscle can lead to discomfort with touch, movement and stretching; to decreased movement at a joint; and even a temporary loss of coordination.

A myofascial trigger point develops as part of the body’s protective response following:

• Injury – the muscle will tighten in an attempt to reduce the severity of an injury;
• Unexpected movements e.g. descending a step that is lower than originally anticipated;
• Quick movements e.g. looking over your shoulder while driving;
• Change in regular activity or muscle loading e.g. an increase in the number or intensity of training sessions for sport;
• Sustained postures e.g. prolonged sitting for work or study;
• Nerve impingement – the muscle will tighten to protect the nerve;
• stress;
• Illness (bacterial or viral);
• Nutritional deficiencies, or;
• Metabolic and endocrine conditions.

During a Dry Needling treatment, you may feel a slight sting as the needle is inserted and removed. However, this discomfort should last no longer than a second before settling.

Also, a brief muscle twitch can also occur during a Dry Needling treatment.

Your physiotherapist can explain the risks and can determine whether Dry Needling is suitable for you based on your injury and your general health.

When Dry Needling is performed, single-use, sterile needles are always used and disposed of immediately after use into a certified sharps container.

Everybody is different and can respond differently to various treatment techniques, including Dry Needling. In addition to the benefits that Dry Needling can provide, there are a number of side effects that may occur, including bruising and residual discomfort or even altered energy levels. Most symptoms will reside within 48 hours.

Our physiotherapists recommend avoiding strenuous or high impact activities immediately after Dry Needling, to allow the body time to recover, and to maximise the benefits of the treatment. However, discussing your care is always best done on an individual basis.

Dry needling is usually used as a part of an overall plan that will likely include some type of manual therapy, exercise, and education. Dry needling is used to increase range of motion that may be limited due to muscle tightness or scar tissue. Dry needling may also treat:

• Joint problems
• Disc problems
• Tendinitis
• Migraine and tension-type headaches
• Jaw and mouth problems (such as temporomandibular joint disorder)
• Whiplash
• Repetitive motion disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Spinal problems
• Pelvic pain

As always, it is best to discuss any concerns and questions regarding any part of your treatment plan with your physiotherapist. No treatment is administered before you fully understand.