Dry Needling
Dry needling is a soft tissue technique using a fine filament needle (acupuncture needle).
These needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points to reduce muscle spasm.
Myofascial trigger points are tiny knots within the muscle that is often tender to touch. They can impact muscle function by reducing force during contracting and lengthening normally during activity.
These trigger points can refer to areas quite distant from their location and can be responsible for referred pain.
My approach
Paula has over 15 years of experience identifying these trigger points and working with needles to effectively “switch off” a muscle without the need for painful massage.
Restoring the normal function and length of the muscle can have an enormous impact on all areas of the body, some quite distant from the area being treated.
Paula often finds that many types of joint pain can be caused by dysfunctional muscle tension pulling the joint out of alignment and creating a torsional movement pattern that can mimic pathology. She has helped many clients avoid surgery and prevent further damage to joints using this technique.
FAQs
When the needles enter the skin, there is a slight sting that is barely noticeable. It is a very different sensation when the needle penetrates the trigger point. When a trigger point is highly activated, the client may experience a muscular twitch when the needle is inserted. But predominately, it is normal to feel a dull achy feeling.
We endeavour to avoid this, but occasionally, we hit a capillary which may cause a small spot of blood. This is usually very small and easily wiped away with an alcohol swab.
If there is some continued bleeding under the skin, the client may develop a small bruise but never in my 15 years using needles has any of my clients had any lasting adverse effects.
When a trigger point is entirely released with any modality, it is permanent until the trigger point is re-activated again.
This can happen if:
a) you trip and fall in a similar way you did the first time
b) you continue the aggravating activity that has been overloading the muscle or
c) If the trigger point results from protective guarding against a remote cause elsewhere in the body.
Who I am
My name is Paula Luke. I am a physiotherapist with over 20 years experience of in treating musculoskeletal injuries. I have experience in Pilates, sports injuries, dry needling and lower limb post-operative rehabilitation.
What I do
I am inspired by working with my clients to find the core problem and help them conquer it forever.
Where I AM
I am based in Bondi Junction in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. I frequently work on the south coast, but my online booking system is available for Bondi Junction only.
How to book
Please book an appointment through the website. If you have any questions before booking, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Are you suffering from: Neck/back pain? Tendonitis/tendonosis? Muscle spasm? Joint pain? Foot pain? Bunion pain? Plantar fascitis?
Book an appointment or contact me to have a chat over your physiotherapist needs.