Cairns IVF
Dry Needling may be able to help you alongside your fertility doctor and IVF clinic.
So what do we do in the Dry Needling Clinic?
We like to see our patients 2 to 3 menstrual cycles before their IVF cycle.
We also see women during the stimulation phase of the IVF cycle and on the day of the embryo transfer.
At the very least we see women on the day of their embryo transfer.
If you would like to check our available appointment times or make a booking please click on this link http://cairns-massage-cairns-acupuncture.au1.cliniko.com/bookings
or click on this link https://dryneedlingcairns.com.au and go to book online button.
or you can click the book online button on the www.cairnsmassage.net.au website.
or send a text to 0408 054 538.
Embarking on IVF
Dry Needling before and during the medication phase of IVF
This treatment schedule is based on protocols used in clinical trials which demonstrate increased blood supply to uterus and ovaries (reference) and a beneficial regulation of hormones which may be important to follicle development and implantation (reference). A significant increase in pregnancy rates was reported in these trials also.
Schedule: 2 treatments per week for 4 weeks (optimal) plus treatment at time of embryo transfer.
Dry Needling on the day of embryo transfer (including frozen embryo transfer)
These treatments are based on protocols used in clinical trials which showed that an increase in pregnancy rates in some groups of women (those for whom the expected pregnancy rate is 30% or less). (You can find the references for these trials here)
Schedule: a – before or after transfer …… one treatment b – before and after transfer …… two treatments
Dry Needling at any phase of the IVF cycle
Dry Needling can be used to manage any side effects you might experience and reduce anxiety. These treatment protocols are based on the clinical experience of many dry needling therapist and their patients. Reduced fatigue, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort and other side effects are reported by many women using dry needling during their IVF cycle. In addition women report greater relaxation and control of anxiety (reference). The dry needling treatment will be different for each patient and depends on your symptoms. These treatments can be combined with Schedule 2 above.
Schedule: 1-2 treatments per week as needed.
Dry needling after the egg collection
IVF patients are recommended to have an dry needling treatment in the days after egg collection, to reduce any local tissue trauma or bleeding, and help prepare a calm environment for the arrival of an embryo. This treatment can be combined with Schedule 2 or 3 above.
Schedule: 1 treatment within the 2-3 days following egg collection.
Dry Needling before the pregnancy test
Many IVF patients find the “two week wait” the hardest part (even when its only 10 days!). Dry Needling is used during this time to keep the mind calm and the stress hormones low.
Schedule: 1 or 2 treatments between the time of embryo transfer and the pregnancy test.
Dry Needling to prepare for frozen embryo transfer
Many IVF clinics like to transfer embryos into a natural environment. Embryos that have been frozen and successfully thawed are transferred back into a uterus in its natural state at exactly the right time for implantation. Using electro-stimulation on dry needling points on the abdomen in the 2 or 3 menstrual cycles before the transfer, has been shown to improve the structure of the uterine lining, the implantation rate and the pregnancy rate.
Schedule; 1-2 treatments per week in the 2-3 cycles before frozen embryo transfer
Cairns IVF – so some conclusions for dry needling are –
Cairns IVF / Cairns IVF / Cairns IVF / Cairns IVF / Cairns IVF / Cairns IVF
Dry needling’s primarily focused on reducing pain and restoring function through the release of myofascial trigger points in the muscle.
What is a Myofascial Trigger Point?
A myofascial trigger point, also known as a knot in the muscle, is a group of muscle fibres that have shortened when activated but have not lengthened back to a relaxed state after use. A myofascial trigger point develops a sensitive nodule in the muscle (Simons, Travell & Simons, 1999). In addition to this nodule, the remainder of the muscle also tightens to compensate (Simons et al., 1999; Simons, 2002). This hypersensitivity occurs as the muscle fibres become so tight that they compress the capillaries and nerves that supply them (McPartland, 2004; Simons et al., 1999). As a result, the muscle cannot frequently move, obtain a fresh blood supply containing oxygen and nutrients, or flush out additional acidic chemicals (McPartland, 2004; Simons et al., 1999). The presence of a myofascial trigger point in a muscle can lead to discomfort with touch, movement and stretching, decreased joint motion, and even a temporary loss of coordination (Simons et al., 1999).
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling assists with decreasing local muscular pain and improve function by restoring a muscle’s natural ability to lengthen and shorten by releasing myofascial trigger points.
What Does Dry Needling Do?
When the delicate filament needle inserts into the centre of a myofascial trigger point, blood pools around the needle, triggering the contracted muscle fibres to relax. This reaction, in turn, leads to the decompression of the local blood and nerve supply. It also helps to provide those fibres with fresh oxygen and nutrients and flushing away any additional acidic chemicals.
What Causes a Myofascial Trigger Point?
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 initially 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.
(Simons, et al., 1999)
When Is Dry Needling Treatment Recommended?
Dry needling can assist in treatment:
- to help release myofascial trigger points (muscle knots);
- to assist with pain management, and;
- to restore movement at a joint if inhibited by myofascial trigger points.
What Will You Feel During Dry Needling Treatment?
During a dry needling treatment, you may feel a mild sensation as the needle inserts and withdraws. Patients don’t report any discomfort during needle manipulation.
A brief muscle twitch may occur during a dry needling treatment. This twitch may happen when the needle directly stimulates a myofascial trigger point.
Where Does Dry Needling Fit Within Your Rehabilitation Program?
Dry needling is one of many techniques that your physiotherapist can utilise to assist with your rehabilitation. We combine dry needling with other physiotherapy techniques, including massage, manual therapy, and exercise prescription.
What are the Side Effects of Dry Needling?
Every form of treatment can carry an associated risk. Your physiotherapist can explain the risks and determine whether dry needling is suitable for you based on your injury and general health.
When dry needling occurs, single-use, sterile needles are always used and disposed of immediately after using a certified sharps container.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Everybody is different and can respond differently to various treatment techniques, including dry needling. In addition to the benefits that dry needling can provide, some side effects may occur, including spotting or bruising, fainting, nausea, residual discomfort or even altered energy levels. However, these symptoms should last no longer than 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Can You Exercise After Dry Needling?
We recommend avoiding strenuous or high impact activities immediately after dry needling to allow the body time to recover and maximise the treatment benefits.