The French Physio / Dry needling in Dubai

Dry needling in Dubai

Dry needling involves inserting a very fine, sterile, single-use needle into a tight spot in a muscle, called a trigger point. The muscle releases and the pain eases. Nicolas Amat uses it when the assessment calls for it, always combined with manual therapy and exercise.

Which conditions?

Low back pain
Neck pain, stiffness and headaches coming from the neck
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinopathy
Sciatic-type pain and buttock pain (piriformis)
Muscle tightness and knots
Sports injuries: calves, hamstrings, quadriceps

How a session works

An assessment to find the muscles involved
Fine needles placed on the trigger points
A brief twitch of the muscle, a sign the point has been reached
Manual therapy and exercise to make the effect last

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a small contracted area inside a muscle, often tender to pressure. It can cause pain on the spot, but also referred pain elsewhere: a trigger point in the upper trapezius sometimes causes a headache, one in the buttock a pain running down the leg.

These points appear after overload, prolonged poor posture, stress or injury. The muscle stays tight, tires faster and guards the joint at the cost of a stiffness that keeps the pain going.

Dry needling or acupuncture?

The needles look alike, but the approach is different. Acupuncture follows the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling is based on anatomy and clinical assessment: the needle targets the tight spot found in the muscle.

One technique among others

Dry needling brings fast relief, but on its own it does not fix the cause of the problem. That is why it is part of a complete treatment: manual therapy, correction of movement and posture, and exercise so the muscle does not tighten up again.

Frequently asked questions

Does dry needling hurt?

You barely feel the needle going in. When it reaches the trigger point, the muscle may twitch briefly, which is unpleasant but short.

How will I feel after the session?

Muscle soreness is common for 24 to 48 hours. You can return to your normal activities the same day.

How many sessions will I need?

Improvement is often felt from the first sessions. The number depends on the problem and how long you have had it, and is set at the assessment.

Are there any contraindications?

Some situations call for caution or rule the technique out: pregnancy, blood-thinning medication, skin infection, strong fear of needles. These are checked at the assessment.

Do I need a referral?

No, direct access to a physiotherapist is allowed in the UAE.