Dry Needling in Forest Hill

Dry needling is a technique we use to treat tight, painful muscle bands and trigger points in the lower limb. Very fine needles are inserted into specific points in the muscle to help release tension and reduce referred pain.

What is a myofascial trigger point?

A myofascial trigger point is a small, painful knot within a tight band of muscle. Pain from these knots often spreads away from the actual spot, so you may feel symptoms in the heel, arch or ankle even though the trigger point is higher up in the calf or foot.

Trigger points usually develop in overworked muscles – for example after overuse, changes in activity, or long-standing issues with foot posture and biomechanics.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

Dry needling uses similar needles to acupuncture, but the reasoning behind it is different. Dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and research, targeting specific points in tight muscles and tendons that are contributing to pain and movement problems.

How does dry needling work?

The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but inserting a needle into a trigger point can:

• Change the tension within the muscle
• Influence the local chemical environment around the trigger point
• Improve blood flow through the area

In practical terms, this helps “switch off” the knot, allows the muscle to relax and can reduce referred pain.

Common problems we use dry needling for

Dry needling is used to settle overloaded or tight muscle groups that are contributing to pain or altered movement. We may use it alongside other care for:

• Achilles tendon pain with calf muscle overload
• Ankle sprains with ongoing muscle guarding or weakness
• Shin splints and shin pain
• Sports foot and ankle injuries where muscle tension is part of the picture

Is dry needling painful?

Most people feel very little as the needle passes through the skin. Occasionally the muscle may twitch briefly, producing a short “electric shock” sensation that lasts less than a second. Once the needles are in place (usually for 10–15 minutes), the feeling ranges from no awareness at all to a mild, deep ache that is generally well tolerated.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are usually minor. Some people feel a dull, muscle-type soreness over the treated area for a few hours to a couple of days. Occasionally the discomfort follows the same pattern as the original referred pain.

We usually recommend applying heat to the area after treatment, as this tends to reduce post-needling soreness. Ice is generally avoided because it can encourage muscles to tighten again.

How many treatments will I need?

Dry needling usually requires a short series of visits rather than a single session. On average, four to six treatments are needed to “retrain” the muscle and settle the trigger points, although this varies from person to person and depends on the underlying condition.

Dry needling is most effective when it forms part of a broader plan that also addresses posture, loading and day-to-day activities.

Book a dry needling assessment

If you have ongoing lower leg, heel or foot pain that may be related to tight or overworked muscles, dry needling may be an appropriate option to consider. You can book an assessment online or call the clinic to arrange a suitable time.

Lefort Podiatry provides dry needling for patients from Forest Hill and surrounding suburbs including Blackburn, Burwood East, Nunawading and Mitcham.