Dry needling is a technique where thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points—knots or tight bands in your muscles—to relieve tension and pain. The term “dry” refers to the fact that no medication is injected with the needle. By stimulating these trigger points, dry needling encourages blood flow, reduces muscle tightness, and promotes healing. It’s often used alongside other physiotherapy treatments to alleviate pain and improve muscle function.

Dry needling is highly effective for treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, muscle tightness, tension headaches, sports injuries, and joint problems. It’s also useful for treating specific issues like back and neck pain, tendonitis, and conditions like frozen shoulder. Many patients with long-term muscle stiffness or trigger points benefit from dry needling, as it targets the source of muscle discomfort and helps promote quicker recovery from injuries or physical stress.

Dry needling can cause some discomfort, but it’s usually minimal. Most patients describe it as a mild pinprick sensation or slight muscle twitch when the needle hits a trigger point. This twitch is normal and indicates that the treatment is effectively targeting the muscle knot. Any discomfort during the procedure is brief, and post-treatment soreness is typically mild, similar to what you might feel after a workout. The sensation often leads to relief once the muscle tension eases.

While both dry needling and acupuncture involve inserting thin needles into the skin, they are different techniques with distinct purposes. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy or “Qi.” Dry needling, on the other hand, is a Western technique specifically aimed at relieving muscle pain and dysfunction by targeting trigger points in the muscles. Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments to improve muscle function.

The number of dry needling sessions you need depends on the severity and duration of your condition, as well as how your body responds to treatment. Some people experience significant relief after just one or two sessions, while others may require a series of treatments for optimal results. Your physiotherapist will assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly, but a typical course might range from 3 to 6 sessions over a few weeks for most conditions.