Needling

Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling

Functional dry needling (FDN) is a treatment technique used in the management of musculoskeletal pain. “Dry needling” is a generic term for the insertion and manipulation of an acupuncture needle into areas of soft tissue that are causing pain. These areas, referred to as “trigger points”, are highly sensitive muscle bands that are maladaptively shortened. When the needle is inserted into these points most clients will feel a dull cramping sensation or “twitch response” which is the sensation of the muscle releasing. By releasing these areas of tension the muscles are then able to move smoothly through a full range of motion. This in turn allows joints to glide correctly, prevents adverse tension on neurological tissue, and can aid in return to exercise & activity.

Dry needling at Integral

At Integral Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic in downtown Edmonton, our physiotherapists have successfully completed Kinetacore Dry Needling courses. We’re safely and effectively helping people, like you, relieve myofascial pain through the use of his treatment.

I’d never been to physiotherapy before seeing Jade, but I’m glad I went. She’s been a massive help in recovering from a shoulder injury. Jade was always very positive and knowledgeable and provided me with both IMS and exercises that helped greatly reduced my recovery time and were tailored to my specific injury and sport. The support staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. I’ll be going back whenever I have the need!

Zac Harris

Should I try FDN?

Most muscle-based pain can benefit from FDN but it depends on the root cause of your injury and what types of therapy you have responded to well in the past. Typically clients who have had positive experiences with other “hands-on” therapy such as massage, active release technique and manipulations do well with FDN. An experienced Integral physiotherapist will assess your specific situation and determine whether you are a good candidate.

Will FDN hurt?

Probably, yes. While many people do not feel the needle insertion, the goal of the technique is to release the tight muscle through the “cramp-like” sensation. Depending on the area of the body and the amount of treatment sites some clients report feeling sore and achy the next day. This is typically gone in 4 to 36 hours.

So, it’s acupuncture?

FDN and acupuncture only have the use of similar needles in common. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medical philosophy with separate and extensive training in those techniques. Dry needle therapy, on the other hand, is an extension of manual therapy and is based on Western medical philosophy.

What conditions can FDN treat?

Learn more at the Kinetacore website.

How we can help

If you suffer from any of these conditions, contact our Edmonton (downtown) clinic at 587-401-2371 and schedule an appointment with one of our physios. We’re passionate about helping clients discover the treatment programs that will deliver real results. Get back to feeling your best!