Dry needling and physiotherapy are two different approaches that can be used to manage low back pain.
Here’s a brief overview of each approach:
Physiotherapy for Low Back Pain:
Physiotherapy is a conservative and non-invasive approach to managing low back pain. It involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain. A physiotherapist will typically employ a range of techniques and interventions to address the underlying causes of the pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. Some common physiotherapy treatments for low back pain include:
Exercise Therapy:
Tailored exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture.
Manual Therapy:
Hands-on techniques such as spinal manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue massage to relieve pain and improve joint function.
Education and Advice:
Providing information on proper posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications to prevent future episodes of low back pain.
Electrotherapy Modalities:
The use of techniques like ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), or heat/cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
Dry Needling for Low Back Pain:
Dry needling is a specialized technique that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points or tight knots in muscles (myofascial trigger points) to relieve pain and improve muscle function. The needles used in dry needling are similar to acupuncture needles, but the goals and techniques are different.
Trigger Point Release: Dry needling aims to release tension and tightness in specific muscle groups by stimulating trigger points. This can help reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain.
Should you only have dry needling?
Evidence shows that patients who have dry needling and another treatment experience greater pain reduction that if they only had dry needling. The other treatment could be physical therapy, acupuncture and custom orthotics.
Your physio will determine the best treatment for you. If this includes dry needling, then you will receive the treatment from your physio during your consultation. Your physio may also recommend targeted at-home exercises, custom orthotics or further investigation.
Do you suffer from low back pain?
At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, we are confident that anyone who walks through our doors can be helped with our care and commitment to your recovery.
