Dry needling for osteoarthritis in Carins

osteoarthritis cairnsAcupuncture stratford

osteoarthritis cairns

Acupuncture may be able to asssist with the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis.

Book an appointment today

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.

Osteoarthritis can be seen to affect the joints especially of the lower body such as the lower back, hips and knees.

Osteoarthritis is often diagnosed in relation to the spine, hips and knees.  Acupuncturists have successfully treated this condition for many years using needles, moxibustion and chinese herbal medicine if it is indicated (and doesn’t interfere with the current medications your are taking.

In a normal joint the ends of the bones are covered in cartiliage to protect the bones.  These joints have fluid which also lubricates the joint…known as synovial fluid.  This fluid acts as a shock absorber to take the impact inside the joint and minimise the stress inside the joint.

When the synovial fluid becomes less and less it looses its ablility to absorb the impact inside the joint….and therefore be less able to act as a cushion.

After this occurs the cartilage at the ends of the bones becomes less and it wears away and occasionally means the bones themselves are exposed.

This set of circumstance may occur over time due to age, obesity, a small change in the bones of the joint, injury to the joint from sports, long term excessive wear and tear of the joints.  Any other accidents of injuries to the joints.

Best foods for arthritis

oil fish

red onions and garlic

turmeric

olives

berries

vegetables (strong colours)

Worst foods

Sugar and refined  carbohydrates

dairy products

meat

coffee.

Diagnosis

At times, pain that radiates from the back to the knee or hip may in fact be a joint problem, such as OA. Further workup should be done to try to rule out this source of pain.osteoarthritis cairns

Osteoarthritis mostly presents with the symptom of pain.  The condition may interfere with movement and may be present even at rest.  The sufferer may even loose some range of movement.  The joint may be stiff and swollen.  We can use acupuncture needles around the joint to increase the range of movement again, decrease the pain and inflammation.  We may suggest homework such as taping or body brushing around the joint.

Please phone Tanya on 0408 054 538 or email tanyagalvin@hotmail.com

After five promotions to bigger and better cruise ships as a reward for doing a great job she decided to settle back in Australia.

Medically acupuncture works by regulating carious systems in the body – hormonal, nervous, immune, circulatory, muscular etc.

In traditional Chinese Medicine theory, acupuncture regulates the flow of qi (pronounced chee), a type of unseen energy or electromagnetic force traveling in a system of channels which connect acupncture points to tissues and organs.

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Please phone Tanya on 0408 054 538 or email tanyagalvin@hotmail.com

www.cairnsmassage.net.auAcupuncture stratford


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.