DRY NEEDLING AND CUPPING
Cupping and dry needling are extremely effective therapies at reducing pain associated with muscular tension, and improving range of movement. Both therapies can be used as a stand alone treatment or combined with soft tissue techniques.
By applying the same needles as used in traditional acupuncture, dry needling follows a more modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It uses very fine needles which do not inject fluid into the body, hence the term ‘dry’.
How it works
A very fine needle is inserted directly into hard, knotted areas of muscle and fascia called ‘trigger points’. These occur in areas where the tissue fibres are so tight that the capillaries and nerves that supply them are compressed, causing a lack of blood flow and oxygen. The muscle is therefore unable to relax, causing limited mobility to the associated joint. Trigger points are often painful to touch and can refer pain to different areas of the body.
When the needle is inserted into the center of a trigger point, blood pools around the needle supplying it with fresh oxygen and nutrients, causing the nerves to decompress and the muscle to relax.
Therapeutic benefits:
| Reduces:
• Muscle spasm • Chronic pain • Muscular tension |
Improves:
• Flexibility • Range of motion
|
Examples of ailments it can provide relief from:
| • Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica • Tension headaches • Mild muscle tears • Plantar fasciitis |
• Golfer’s / Tennis elbow
• Whiplash • Runner’s knee • Carpal Tunnel syndrome • Sacro-Iliac Joint pain |
Does it hurt?
You may feel the insertion of the needle and once it reaches the trigger point it can elicit a very brief dull aching sensation. This can last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Myofascial Cupping
How it works
As we age, our muscles start to degenerate and lose elasticity. Through progressive inactivity the blood and oxygen supply to tissues decreases, as well as blood becoming stagnant around areas of limited movement. By stretching these tight tissues, cupping acts like a vacuum to the stagnant blood, encouraging new blood flow to the area and therefore stimulating healing. As new blood is forced into the tissues around the cups, the body will begin to develop new blood vessels which continue to feed the tissues with much needed nutrients and oxygen.
Therapeutic benefits:
| • Reduces cellulite
• Increases range of movement • Reduces inflammation • Relieves menstrual cramps |
• Relieves indigestion
• Reduces chronic pain • Breaks down scar tissue • Reduces muscular tension |
Does it hurt?
Cupping is rarely painful. It can leave a light to dark red mark where the blood has been pulled to the surface, which may last up to 7-10 days.
Consultations:
Initial Consultation 60 mins £67
Follow-up Appointment 30 mins £35 60 mins £67