WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling uses an acupuncture needle to stimulate the muscle to produce a neurophysiological reaction and reflex relaxation. The needle encourages blood flow to the treated region, initiating the natural healing process and helping with pain relief. The treatment creates electrical signal in the muscle to enhance the communication and function between the nerve, muscle and brain. These effects improve muscle function in addition to providing pain relief. Immediate effects can also be increased movement and increased strength. Dry needling feels like a brief pin prick sensation and can be a safe, fast and effective procedure in addition to usual therapeutic techniques.
In hand therapy, many common conditions can be treated with dry needling, in addition to other techniques including exercise, load management and splinting. These include thumb pain from overuse or arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervains Tenosynovitis and non-specific pain syndromes of the upper limb and upper quadrant related to active and latent trigger points within muscles. Your therapist at Action Rehab will provide a thorough musculoskeletal assessment to determine the cause of your symptoms and whether dry needling may benefit your condition.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling should only be conducted by therapists who hold tertiary qualifications and have received specialised training in Dry Needling from an organisation recognised by the Australian Physiotherapy or Hand Therapy Association. At Action Rehab, our therapists are fully accredited and qualified to provide dry needling services.
Optimal hand function is essential for quality of life. We need our hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders to perform everyday tasks such as personal care, domestic duties and work tasks. Because of this it is essential that you seek professional advice for any injury you sustain to the hand that you receive proper treatment and return of function.
To make an appointment, enquire, or find your closest location call us on 1300 762 227 or schedule an appointment online.
COMMON HAND CONDITIONS THAT DRY NEEDLING CAN TREAT
Action Rehab aims to help those with hand injuries better understand some of the more common conditions they might encounter – from diagnosis to treatment options– so they can make proactive steps towards returning their bodies to optimal strength and functionality.
Central Slip Injury - Boutonnière Deformity
Can be sore around the back of the knuckle and difficult to straighten the finger from the middle knuckle with the finger sitting in a bent position.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Can cause pain, tenderness or swelling at the base of the thumb and numbness at the back of the thumb and index finger.
Finger Dislocation - Volar Plate
A pop or a crack of the finger knuckles may quickly cause pain and loss of movement in the middle joint if the finger is bent back too far.
Tendon Injury - Jersey Finger
Common sport or trauma injury can cause swelling, bruising and pain in the fingertip. The injured finger can’t bend at the tip towards the palm.
Mallet Finger Treatment
A droopy finger tip occasionally causes pain, swelling at the injured fingers furthest joint and an inability to extend the finger without assistance.
Metacarpal Fracture
Shows as swelling and a loss of motion. Causes immediate pain when trying to form a fist. Fingers may also feel stiff, wonky and numb.
Skiers Thumb - Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)
Causes pain when moving the thumb to the side and squeezing. Can result in a loss of sensation and swelling along the thumb’s base. Common skiing and sports injury.
Sprained or Fractured Fingers
Causes throbbing pain when moving the finger. Broken fingers may appear disfigured, swollen or out of alignment.
Thumb Arthritis
Can cause severe pain, swelling, and decreased strength and range of motion, making it difficult to do simple tasks like remove the lid of jar.
Trigger Finger
Can cause stiffness in the morning, a clicking sound when moved or the finger locked in a bent position.
Finger Arthritis
May make the fingers or hands look swollen or deformed. Often described as a stiffening, burning, stuck, swollen or aching sensation.
SYMPTOMS OF COMMON HAND CONDITIONS
Are you experiencing pain in your upper extremities? Do minor movements cause discomfort, or does it become unbearable when trying to do everyday tasks? If so, you may be dealing with a hand injury. Upper extremity injuries can vary greatly, from wrist fractures and rotator cuff tears to nerve damage caused by trauma. To diagnose and treat the issue appropriately, understanding the symptoms of common hand injuries is essential.
- Sprained or Fractured Fingers
- Metacarpal Fractures
- Thumb Arthritis - Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis
- Finger Arthritis
- Finger Dislocation - Volar Plate
- Trigger Finger
- Mallet Finger
- Central Slip Injury - Boutonierre Deformity
- Tendon Injury - Jersey Finger
- Skiers Thumb - Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
It is important to seek medical attention if you have any of the common hand injuries. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help to prevent complications and promote healing.
Call us on 1300 762 227 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.
Our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists have extensive knowledge and experience in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing your hand and upper extremity – your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand – injuries or conditions, so you know you’re in good hands.
With a reputation endorsed by sporting organisations like the Melbourne Football Club, Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne Storm and more than two decades of helping people to regain maximum use and movement through Hand Therapy, Action Rehab is the smart choice for any thumb, finger, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder treatment.
- No referral needed
- Nonsurgical treatment prioritised where possible
- Working with some of Melbourne’s top sporting clubs
Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW
Action Rehab provide assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the hand, including mallet finger. Come and see our highly qualified and friendly staff today at a location convenient to you.