What dry needling is — and isn’t
The word acupuncture comes from the Latin for needle (acus), meaning the puncturing of bodily tissue for the relief of pain. Dry needling is often confused with traditional Chinese acupuncture, but the two are quite different: where Chinese acupuncture works on correcting a person’s energy flow, dry needling releases muscular trigger points and is practised by physiotherapists on Western medicine principles. Many physiotherapists undertake post-graduate training in the technique, and it’s an increasingly popular treatment across the profession.
How a session works
Your physiotherapist locates a myofascial trigger point and uses a fine needle to release the spasm at that point. The needle stays in for only a few minutes and may be gently repositioned to find the exact spot; the muscle can twitch in response — a good sign the trigger point has been found.
Dry needling is effective for many sports injuries as well as back pain, joint pain and headaches. It can treat trigger points across most of the body — from the upper trapezius (where release can relieve tension headaches) down to the calf, where gastrocnemius trigger points can drive calf pain and knee or ankle stiffness. Pain is often reduced immediately, and relief typically becomes long-lasting after just a few sessions.
Why it works
- Chemical reset: needling a trigger point helps the body clear the pain-causing chemicals concentrated there, letting the muscle relax and the spasm ease.
- Better blood flow: circulation to the area increases immediately, speeding the healing process.
- Signal blocking: the needle can interrupt the nerves carrying pain signals, effectively telling the brain to stop sending them.
Is it right for you?
Every patient is screened first. Some conditions — such as infectious diseases, immune disorders and certain skin problems — can make dry needling unsuitable, and patients on blood-thinning medication should seek medical clearance before starting. Contact us to discuss whether this treatment suits you.