Can Dry Needling Reduce Stress?
Our modern, active lifestyles often neglect rest and relaxation. We are constantly on the go, stimulated by screens, noise and lights and our bodies experience a heightened state of chronic stress. This state of alertness, overthinking and tension can lead us to experience illness and anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is difficult to manage. It is a complex condition that involves many physical and emotional symptoms. Poor sleep, sweating, nausea, palpitations or panic attacks, dizziness, tension in the body, back pain, low sleep quality and headaches are just some of the symptoms related to anxiety.
Another challenge with anxiety is that it is invisible. It can be extremely hard to communicate how you are feeling because you may look ‘normal’. There are many treatment options available for anxiety including psychological support and medication.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment that involves the insertion of fine needles into myofascial trigger points. The tight knots in muscle tissue can cause pain and contribute to the ongoing pain cycle of body tension and anxiety.
How can Dry Needling Assist in the Treatment of Anxiety or Stress?
Research into how acupuncture dry needling affects the body has revealed extensive benefits. Specifically, dry needling can assist in the treatment of stress and anxiety by:
- Impacting areas of the brain related to pain, stress and sensitivity. It can deactivate the ‘analytical brain’ responsible for worrying and promote relaxation.
- Regulating hormones and neurotransmitters including serotonin. The chemical state of the brain greatly influences our moods and emotions.
- Activating the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for the body to rest, repair, digest and recover. Stress and anxiety are sympathetic nervous system responses.
- Playing a role in the levels of inflammatory cytokines. These are associated with anxiety.
- Calming the body by reversing stress induced biochemical changes.
When combined with other therapies, dry needling can assist in the treatment of anxiety and stress related conditions.
Dry Needling at NDPE
Managing stress and anxiety is an important skill that can help us to cope with life’s challenges. Dry needling may assist in the management of stress and anxiety. Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic offer dry needling for patients in the West Ryde area. A thorough assessment by our skilled physiotherapists and practitioners will determine your tailored treatment plan.
