It is known that a number of painful symptoms are caused by the development of trigger points within the muscles and connective tissues of the body. These can develop as a result of imbalances in the optimum functioning of the spine and peripheral joints, as a result of overuse or incorrect use of parts of the body, or as a result of direct injury. These trigger points are capable of becoming a source of both local a referred pain. Following the identification of these points, needling techniques are capable of deactivating them and thus reducing the pain associated with them.
Dry needling (acupuncture) is the use of sterilised needles for therapy of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Conditions that often respond well to Dry Needling techniques include:
- Headaches
- Tennis elbow
- Frozen Shoulder
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle Spasms
- Hip pain
- Sciatic Pain
- Knee Pain
In general, much of dry needling is concerned with the treatment of muskulo skeletal disorders and is good for pain, especially pain in the muscles and joints. Pain alleviation does include some forms of arthritis.
When you visit your Osteopath, a detailed case history will be taken. This will be followed by a physical examination, and a diagnosis. From here the osteopath will discuss with you the most appropriate method of treatment for you and your condition. Most Osteopaths who are trained in the use of needles use them as an adjunct to their more usual osteopathic treatment. They will not use them in all cases and when they do perform acupuncture it will usually be in combination with manual techniques that help to complement osteopathy. Should your osteopath wish to use this form of treatment your consent will be requested at all times. There will be no pressure to consent if you are unsure.
It should be understood that Osteopaths do not use needling techniques to form part of the training and education of Osteopaths in England. Training of this nature is undertaken on a postgraduate level and is only available to previously qualified health care professionals. Shane Huggins is a qualified and registered Osteopath and has completed certified training courses and is qualified to use acupuncture needles as part of the treatment in conjunction with osteopathy.
Do you have a question?
I can usually offer you an appointment within 24 hours of your call. I understand that flexibility is important, so I offer appointments both during and outside of office hours to accommodate your schedule. Additionally, I provide home visits and weekend services for your convenience.
Emergency appointments are also available. Simply call me on my mobile for urgent needs. To make an appointment, please call me at the practice number during working hours or drop by either of my clinic locations:
- Address 1
- Address 2
I'm here to help you on your journey to better health.
During your first consultation, I will take a detailed medical history and ask about your symptoms, medical background, and any medications you are taking. This information is crucial for your safety and to provide effective treatment. Rest assured, all information is private and confidential, adhering to the highest professional standards required of registered osteopaths in the UK.
Following a thorough examination, I will form a diagnosis, explain it to you, and begin the appropriate treatment. The initial appointment typically lasts 50 minutes to an hour, while follow-up sessions usually take about 30 minutes. If necessary, I can refer you to other therapists or for additional imaging, thanks to my strong connections with local GPs and orthopaedic consultants.
For your treatment, it's best to wear loose clothing, such as a vest top with shorts or jogging bottoms, allowing me to gather accurate information about your body mechanics and structure. You may be asked to undress to your underwear during the consultation to ensure a thorough assessment.
However, your comfort is paramount. If you have concerns about undressing, please let me know, and I will do my utmost to accommodate your needs. Light and loose clothing is usually suitable, and we have spare sports shorts and vests available if necessary. Your privacy and modesty are respected at all times, and you are welcome to bring a friend or relative as a chaperone if you wish.
My aim is to get you back to full health as quickly as possible. Each person is unique, with differences in how they look after their bodies, the duration of their injury, and how they respond to treatment and follow advice. Therefore, it’s hard to specify an exact number of treatments. On average, recovery typically takes about 4-6 sessions.
Following my advice is essential for your recovery and can significantly impact your healing time. While I don’t want to completely stop you from enjoying your favourite activities, a few simple lifestyle changes and a little rest can go a long way to ensure your long-term wellbeing.
Generally, osteopathic treatment should not hurt. All techniques are specifically chosen to suit individual patients, ensuring that you are comfortable at all times. The principle of "do no harm" is paramount, so the saying "no pain, no gain" does not apply here. Occasionally, some techniques might feel slightly awkward or unusual, but they should never cause pain.
If you ever feel discomfort during a session, please let me know immediately so I can adjust the treatment to ensure your comfort and safety.
Schedule an appointment today.
Take the first step towards better health and wellbeing. Book an appointment with me today and start your journey to a pain-free, active life.
