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Dry Needling

RumpoleRumpole
in General Training Discussions

Hi-

 

Been getting PT for achilles tendonitis and a very tight calf.  So far, using Graston and it's working.  The doc I'm seeing is going to get certified in this.  Has anyone used it?  Is it quackery? The Graston hurts like a mother, but it's definitely effective.  I have no beef with acupuncture, but I generally don't go for an invasive procedure when the non-invasive one seems to be working and my doc is not acn accupuncturist.  (Plus I don't like needles).

Nonetheless, if it speeds up the healing time,  I would consider it.  Anyone care to share their n=1?

Comments

  • Peter WickPeter Wick
    Graston hurts like hell and then you can't use meds like ibuprofen or naproxen afterwards because they blunt the healing response. Not fun.

    But, it has done some very good things for me, particularly with a nagging problem of tendons not sliding well behind my left knee. It also worked quite well for a friend who had assumed his running days were over.
  • RumpoleRumpole
    The needling supposedly results in soreness afterwards When they stick the needle in, it does spasm. Graston has a proven track record (it's just trigger point tools on steroids)--this is relatively new. Although the priniciples seem sound, I'm skeptical and it's not clear to me what the risk factors are (though they'd seem to be minimal).
  • new2703new2703
    Dry needling and acupuncture are completely different. Dry needling involves the insertion of a thin filament needle into the muscular trigger point. The purpose is to elicit a twitch response and get the muscle to relax. You will be sore afterwards but should still be able to workout. I would do this on my quads and calves to help get through those hard stretches. Dry needling in conjunction with Graston would probably be very effective.
  • new2703new2703
    Under no circumstance should you try to needle yourself. I'm certified in it and no exactly where to place the needles
  • jhpiiijhpiii
    Don't know anything about Graston but I had dry needle therapy on my calves about 3 years ago. It was the most painful experience of my life and I would never recommend it to anyone. Maybe the guy didn't know what he was doing or something, but it sucked. My calves would spasm and cramp up and there was no relief. And it did nothing for my chronic calf strains. I solved those through strengthening, custom orthotics, and learning about my body's limitations. My N=1 story...
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