Dry needling involves single-use thin sterile needles being gently inserted into trigger points. It is used within a physiotherapy session to target trigger points to reduce pain and restore function.

Dry needling is different from acupuncture and is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physiotherapists, certified in the procedure. Clients can feel a slight twitch in response to the needle but overall it’s not a painful experience. Sometimes, dry needling goes by the name of trigger point therapy, since some forms of the technique focus on myofascial trigger points or the lumps and knots you feel causing pain.

What conditions are needling good for?

Dry needling helps relax the muscles, boosts blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps initiate a healing response. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, tennis elbow, myofascial pain, shoulder impingement, tendonitis, trigger points and whiplash.

How does dry needling help with pain?

When you put the needle into a trigger point within a muscle, it releases the muscle, which then goes back to its resting length. This helps relax the muscle and allows the client an increase in range of motion and a reduction in pain. We usually use it as part of a broader physiotherapy approach along with other interventions and treatments.

Does it hurt?

The insertion of the needle does not hurt—the needles are very thin. You might feel a “twitch” response as the needle is gently inserted into the tissue. This is a normal and desired response. After the session clients will usually feel a little muscle ache or soreness for a day or two after that feels like they worked out that muscle.

Benefits of dry needling

Dry needling can help get you back to doing the things you love faster. It often provides immediate changes in the range of motion, reduces pain, and facilitates recovery and activation needed for strength and stability gains. Working with an experienced physiotherapist who can combine it with a pain management programme can give you the ability to feel better faster and reduce your pain.