Dry Needling in Howick & East Auckland

Currently the following senior physios offer dry needling: Jaden, Abdullah, Kathryn and Simone

What is Dry needling?

Dry Needling is a safe, modern treatment used to target myofascial trigger points—those tight, painful "knots" in your muscles that can cause discomfort and restricted movement.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and energy flow (meridians), Dry Needling is strictly based on Western medicine and neuroanatomy.

How it works: Our trained physiotherapists insert a very fine, sterile filament needle directly into the trigger point. This precise stimulation causes the muscle to twitch and then relax, releasing tension, improving blood flow, and reducing biochemicals that cause pain.

Why Choose Dry Needling?

Many of our clients in Howick choose dry needling because it offers relief where other treatments may have plateaued. It is rarely a standalone treatment; instead, we combine it with manual therapy and exercise to get the best results.

Here is why you might choose this therapy:

  • Fast Pain Relief: It targets the source of the pain deep within the muscle, often providing immediate relief from tension.

  • Restored Range of Motion: By "deactivating" tight muscle knots, your muscles can lengthen normally again, improving flexibility.

  • Accelerated Recovery: It increases blood flow to the injured area, bringing oxygen and nutrients essential for healing.

  • Relief for Referred Pain: Sometimes pain in your arm or leg is actually coming from a knot in your shoulder or back. Dry needling treats the root cause, not just the symptom.

Who Can Benefit From Dry Needling?

Dry needling is versatile and benefits a wide range of people, from elite athletes to office workers. If you are suffering from musculoskeletal pain, this treatment may be right for you.

Common conditions we treat include:

  • Office Workers: Chronic neck and shoulder tension from sitting at desks.

  • Runners & Athletes: Hamstring strains, calf tightness, and Shin Splints.

  • Manual Labourers: Lower back pain and repetitive strain injuries.

  • Specific Injuries: Tennis Elbow, Rotator Cuff tightness, and Sciatica.

  • Headache Sufferers: Tension headaches caused by tight neck muscles.

Note: Dry needling is not suitable for everyone (e.g., people with needle phobias or certain medical conditions). Your Velca physio will always screen you for safety before suggesting this treatment.

The Velca Difference?

At Velca, we don't just treat the symptom; we look at the whole picture. We use dry needling to Correct the immediate dysfunction and Relax the muscle. Once the pain is under control, we guide you through specific exercises to Strengthen the area and Maintain your health, ensuring the pain doesn't return.

Is dry needling covered by acc?

Yes, ACC may contribute towards your treatment if your injury is covered. Dry needling can be included as part of your physiotherapy treatment plan at Velca.

Dry needling in Howick, East Auckland
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