Dry needling is an effective, evidence-based treatment used for treating muscle pain and dysfunction, also known as myofascial dysfunction.
Myofascial dysfunction is associated with all injuries and acute and chronic pain conditions.
The most effective way to treat acute and persistent chronic myofascial pain and dysfunction, that will not resolve with basic manual therapies or massage is with dry needling.
Dry needling significantly improves muscle flexibility, joint range, vascular supply, strength and endurance and overall recovery.
Dry Needling Questions
Dry needling involves inserting a very thin, sterile, solid filament needles into specific points within muscles, known as myofascial trigger points, to relieve pain and restore normal muscle range and function.
The term “dry” refers to the fact that no medication or injection is delivered through the needle, distinguishing it from injections or other needle-based treatments.
Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points—tight bands or knots within a muscle that can cause local pain or referral pain to other areas of the body. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can cause a local twitch response, which helps:
- Release muscle tension
- Improve blood flow
- Reduce inflammation
- Normalise nerve signalling
- Restore range of motion
Dry needling is commonly used to manage a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
- Sciatica
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Tendinitis and tendinopathy
- Muscle spasms
- Postural dysfunction
- Chronic persistent pain conditions
Dry needling will improve your movement immediately, which is why patient opt to have it as part of their overall treatment. Pain relief can be anything from immediate to up to 24 hours. In rare cases, pain reduction can take 72 hours.
Mild dull achiness, along with a twitch response in the muscle when the myofascial trigger point knot has been released.
You may feel a little achy post treatment, and your therapist will advise you to apply heat and do some gentle stretches for 24-72 hours.
You may also feel, what’s known as trigger happy or you may feel relaxed and tired after the treatment for a few hours after treatment.
No, both techniques use the same type of needles, but dry needling is a western treatment approach which is just about treating painful muscle knots that are causing pain and stiffness, whilst acupuncture is a Chinese medicine, that works on energy pathways knows as meridian lines.
Yes, as long as the technique is administered by a trained dry needling therapist who undergoes on going professional development and all our therapist strictly abide to regulations set out by the clinic and CORU.
Dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone. Written consent is required to ensure your therapist is aware of the following:
- Pregnant ( we do not dry needle in the first trimester)
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Are on blood-thinning medications
- Have a needle phobia
- Have an active infection at the treatment site