Dry Needling

What exactly is dry needling?

Dry needling, often referred to as medical acupuncture, is a special treatment used by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other highly educated professionals in the field of physical therapy and medicine, with the purpose of reducing pain and increasing mobility in the musculoskeletal system. 

The technique is western (not Chinese as most people believe) medicine in which acupuncture needles are used and applied directly into the muscular system of the body to reduce muscle tension, reduce pain in the treated area, initiate tissue regeneration, and increase the mobility of the joint attached to the treated muscle. 

The technique is very safe and effective in the hands of a specialist who is properly trained for it. 

Dry needling lumbar spine
Dry needling and cupping

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling has several proposed mechanisms of action, but it is believed that 3 or 4 mechanisms are the most accurate. The most logical and accepted mechanism of action in the physical therapy profession is the mechanical mechanism. The mechanical mechanism works by creating micro trauma (which is not large enough for permanent damage) in the treated area by means of a needle puncture and stimulating the process of tissue regeneration by means of the same micro trauma and bringing nutrients such as oxygen and protein with the circulation to the target tissue. 

The effect of dry needling on the nervous system occurs at 3 levels:

  1. Peripheral nervous mechanisms - dry needling of skin and muscle needling activates nociceptors that induce analgesia
  2. Segmental nervous mechanisms - act by applying the needle to a painful spot to facilitate nerve mechanisms in the spinal cord 
  3. Central nervous mechanisms - mechanisms in the brain 
 

A cross section of 11 scientific studies involving 802 patients with lumbar spine pain, proved that dry needling of pain points in the target muscles was shown to be highly effective in reducing pain and increasing patient functionality.

History of dry needling

Dry needling as a technique was invented by chance as Dr. Janet Travell (in the picture) in 1940. noticed the existence of muscle “trigger points” and recommended the use of injections in the same. They started using intradermal needles containing medicinal products such as corticosteroids and analgesics that were seen to have a positive effect. They then experimented with saline (infusion) and noticed that they were getting the same effect as the drugs. In this way, they assumed that there was no need to administer the drug and that the needle itself helped the symptomatology related to the “trigger points”.

 

In 1979. Czech physiatrist Dr. Karel Lewit finally concluded that the positive effects of using the technique were related solely to mechanical needle stimulation and not to drug administration. After this conclusion, he separated the term “wet "needling from” dry" needling.

 

Nowadays dry needling is used by medical professionals from all over the world. Usually in charge of the application of the same are technique are physiotherapists, chiropractors, medical doctors, and osteopaths. The technique has become increasingly popular over the years due to its quick and effective action to reduce pain and Increase movement. 

 

 

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about technique:

Short answer: No. 

Longer answer: most patients are afraid of pain from needle puncture that dry needling practically does not have because the needle is extremely thin and quickly penetrates the skin. 

The feeling rather than the pain would be called discomfort because the muscles "spasm" while the needle is being applied. 

The technique is applied to a large number of problems in the musculoskeletal system.

Ideal problems for dry needling application are:

  • pain in the lumbar spine
  • sciatica (tingling in the legs)
  • pain in the cervical spine
  • cervicobrachial syndrome (tingling in the hands)
  • pain in the area of the shoulder blades and thoracic spine
  • problems with hips and knees
  • problems with shoulders and elbows

After the treatment, it is necessary to drink more water and have a good rest. The body will be in an inflammatory state for the next few days and heavy physical work and strain are not desirable. 

Also, if necessary after the treatment, pain medicine can be taken. 

After a few days the inflammatory process will pass and you can continue to behave normally. 

Why our therapy?

Progress after the first treatment.

We work on quick and long-term solutions for the problem and after the first treatment you will feel improvement and relief of the symptoms.

Friendly clinic

In our clinic, we maintain a pleasant and friendly atmosphere so that you do not have additional stress.

There's no maintenance

We provide effective and long-term solutions for your problem in order for you to save money and time!

Dry needling tension headaches

Targeted rehabilitation plan

1. step: Book an appointment

By e-mail, message or call we will book you the first appointment in which we will find out and explain the exact problem.

2. step: Rehabilitation plan and program

In cooperation with you, we create an individual, fast and effective rehabilitation plan and program that will surely lead you to optimal condition.

3. step: Return to normal life

Finally you will be pain free again and move with ease.

Reviews of our patients

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Jadranka AvdićJadranka Avdić
09:18 29 Mar 23
Perfect...one word that says it all. In 4 treatments, the pain and other symptoms that had accumulated over the years were removed. Toni really knows what he's doing. I can hardly find words of praise for this young man who, firstly, is very professional, and secondly, very kind and eloquent, so that he makes the treatment, which is a little uncomfortable, more pleasant, and shorter. In any case, for every recommendation!!! When it hurts again, I will go to Toni :).
Anja GrgicAnja Grgic
11:50 13 Dec 22
I booked the first appointment based on a recommendation due to long-term problems with the lumbar region, cervical spine, migraines, tingling in the feet and sciatica in both legs. With the first treatment, we solved the inflammation and pain in the upper back and trapezius, for which I ended up in the emergency room before arriving. With the second treatment I no longer feel sciatica or tingling in my feet. My body is recovering phenomenally every day. I booked a third appointment, so long-term constant problems (12 years!!!) Toni solved in just 3 treatments. I am delighted with the approach and professionalism of physiotherapist Toni. It is not enough to say that I am grateful and sincerely recommend it from the bottom of my heart.
Bojan MihalicekBojan Mihalicek
21:30 17 Nov 22
I came with a problem of the cervical and lumbar spine (which lasts 15 years), tingling in the legs (as a consequence of sciatica), and injury of the ankle and Achilles tendon of the leg from a year ago. He solved all my problems with dry needling and chiropractic techniques. Tony is extremely accessible and explains everything he does in detail. Expertise, customer relationship, and communication are at a very high level. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who has not been helped by conventional techniques.
Bernard ButoracBernard Butorac
21:10 17 Nov 22
I came to Tony through the recommendation of a handball player friend and I did not regret it. In several treatments, he solved the problem of a painful cervical spine and jaw that was painful to the movement and bite. The mobility of the jaw is very important to me because I'm in the singing business. The boyfriend also came with a problem with the cervical and lumbar spine, tingling in the legs, and injury to the wrist and tendon of the leg. He solved our problems with dry needling and chiropractic techniques. Toni is very approachable and everything he does he explains in detail, and also without hesitation you can ask him anything you want to know, so we let him in without fear. Business, expertise, customer relationship, and communication 5+.
Vesna KlanacVesna Klanac
17:44 28 Oct 22
After two dry needling treatments, my shoulder and neck loosened up, and the tension eased enough that after two months I finally have no headaches and no more dizziness. After the third dry needling treatment, the remaining pain on the right side, like muscle tension, has almost disappeared. I'm looking forward to the last treatment. Although it is known as a painful treatment, it was very tolerable for me, and it even seemed very relaxing. I am very glad that I found Toni on IG.
Sonja BrajkinaSonja Brajkina
04:31 12 Oct 22
Physio Toni is a very pleasant, educated and humble young person, who knows his job without much mystification and philosophy "hits the head" and immediately goes to solve the problem as quickly as possible and more than successfully. In communication, he is also pleasant and measured, adapts to the patient and has wide knowledge and can talk to him about various topics, which makes the treatment even easier and leads to the feeling that the treatment lasts much shorter than it really does.So successful in my case that after 9 months of almost vegetating due to enormous pain, after the first treatment, I started walking at least 5 km a day, and after the second I started again working out! I can only recommend this young expert in his field and say a big thank you to him.
IlonaIlona
10:11 26 Sep 22
If I could give 100 stars, it would be small. It's actually hard for me to put together impressions and sentences and to fully express how grateful I am. What a relief after years of shoulder discomfort and inability to rotate, when you finally manage to rotate your shoulder all the way. No pain! Tony's expertise, knowledge, and love for his job are evident in his every sentence. The problem is approached directly, without BS, immediately tells what and how to expect. I had high expectations that he exceeded. Tony, thank you!
IvoIvo
16:37 24 Jul 22
The man, without any philosophy, quickly and efficiently solved the problem of the lower spine, which had followed me for more than five years and which I thought would remain chronic. I recommend everyone to go and let Tony examine him and decide which solution is best. Tony, thank you again!
Janja MuzinaJanja Muzina
07:42 14 May 22
I'm gonna use the kids 'dictionary and say," I don't like dry needling!". With the recommendation of a friend who I talked to about the pain I was living with due to a messy life and long hours of computer work, I came to Tony for treatment. During the treatment, Tony eased my pain by talking and explaining. I went back for another treatment. Today I live without pain and I recommend Tony to everyone for his professionalism, expertise and human approach with respect to the client.
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