Service
Dry-Needling
A service offered by all of our physiotherapists and myotherapists, dry-needling involves inserting an acupuncture needle through the skin into a tight muscle to help it relax.
A service offered by all of our physiotherapists and myotherapists, dry-needling involves inserting an acupuncture needle through the skin into a tight muscle to help it relax.
Dry needling is a modern form of treatment performed by physiotherapists involving the insertion of very fine needles into areas of the body to create a response in the tissue.
Dry needling arose as a direct result of acupuncture’s success in the treatment of particular conditions. Acupuncture is a traditional form of treatment in Chinese Medicine that has been used for more than 5000 years. Through specific placement of very fine needles in particular areas of skin, acupuncturists believe they modify the flow of energy – Qi. These specific locations, known as meridians, have been perfected over the years and passed down over generations of therapists who have practiced this ancient art form.
More modern forms of Western medicine saw the scope of acupuncture in treatment and have adopted a similar form of treatment inserting needles into the skin – called dry needling. Literature suggests Kellegren was one of the first to do this in the late 1930’s, although dry needling wasn’t popularised by practitioners until the 1980’s by Travell and Simons. The term dry needling was adopted around this time to describe the difference between using hollow hypodermic needle to insert or withdraw fluid from the body (wet-needling), and the use of solid thin needles, which don’t allow the transfer of fluid – hence ‘dry needling’.
Those who practice dry needling do not necessarily share an acupuncturist’s belief that needles can alter the flow of Qi around the body. Rather, some of the more current dry needling researchers, Selvaratnam and Gabel, believe that dry needling can reduce muscle tightness and neural sensitivity. Muscles are designed to contract and relax, but with overload and occasions of dysfunctional nerve signal, they may develop tight areas or knots – known as myofascial trigger points. The deactivation of myofascial trigger points is done through placing needles in areas of palpable muscular tightness. At times where dry needling is done to reduce pain, needles are placed in particular locations based on the knowledge of location and supply of nerves.
Your physio has specialist knowledge as to where to place the needles to achieve effective treatment. If you wish to try this form of treatment, please discuss this with your physiotherapist and they will let you know if it would be appropriate for you. In some conditions, your physio may recommend dry needling as an alternative as it is often more comfortable than deep massage to eliminate tight areas.
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A service offered by all of our physiotherapists and myotherapists, dry-needling involves inserting an acupuncture needle through the skin into a tight muscle to help it relax.
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Learn MoreDry needling is a treatment technique used by physiotherapists and myotherapists to relieve muscle pain and tension by inserting thin, sterile needles into tight muscles (trigger points)—tight bands of muscle that can cause discomfort, stiffness, or referred pain.
When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it helps:
Release muscle tension – The needle stimulates a response in the muscle (sometimes twitching), encouraging it to relax.
Improve blood flow – Increased circulation to the area promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
Reduce pain signals – The process disrupts pain pathways, helping to decrease overall discomfort.
Dry needling is commonly used for conditions such as:
Acupuncture and dry needling have lots of similarities. Acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, will explain the way needling work in a different way through the flow of energy in the body (Qi), and meridians. Acupuncture is also used for a greater range of conditions compared with dry needling which is just focused on reducing muscle tightness. Dry needling is the method of needling that is taught in Western healthcare and uses musculoskeletal and neuroanatomy science to describe how it works. It is often combined with other physiotherapy treatments, such as exercise, manual therapy, and rehabilitation programs, to maximize recovery and restore movement.
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment for muscle pain and tension, but it may not be suitable for everyone. While many people benefit from dry needling, certain individuals should approach it with caution or avoid it altogether.
People with Muscle Pain & Active Trigger Points – Dry needling helps release tight muscles, reduce spasms, and relieve pain.
Athletes & Active Individuals – Can aid muscle recovery, injury prevention, and performance enhancement.
People with Chronic Pain Conditions – May assist in managing conditions like fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome.
Postural or Work-Related Muscle Tension – May be effective for neck, shoulder, and lower back tightness from prolonged sitting or repetitive strain.
Rehabilitation Patients – This may be a choice of treatment to complement physiotherapy and exercise-based rehab for injuries like rotator cuff dysfunction, tennis elbow, or lower back pain.
Who Should Avoid or Be Cautious with Dry Needling?
People with Needle Phobia or Anxiety – If you have a severe fear of needles, alternative treatments may be better.
Pregnant Women – Dry needling is generally not recommended during certain phases of pregnancy, as certain points may stimulate uterine contractions.
People with Bleeding Disorders or Blood Thinners – Individuals on anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) or with clotting disorders should consult a doctor before treatment.
Those with Compromised Immune Systems – People with weakened immune function may be at higher risk of infection.
Recent Surgery or Open Wounds – Needles should not be used near surgical scars, fresh wounds, or inflamed areas.
People with Metal Allergies or Sensitivities – Rare, but important for those with severe allergic reactions to stainless steel.
Severe Needle Sensitivity or Previous Adverse Reactions – If you’ve had a negative experience with acupuncture or injections, discuss your concerns with your physiotherapist.
The ideal frequency of dry needling depends on your specific condition, pain levels, treatment goals, and how your body responds to the therapy. While some people experience immediate relief after one session, others may require multiple treatments to achieve long-term benefits.
It would be very difficult to predict how frequently you shoulder receive dry-needling, this will be best based through consultation with your physiotherapist and medical/allied health team.
Factors That May Affect Frequency:
Pain severity and duration – Chronic conditions may require longer treatment plans.
Body’s response to treatment – Some people feel immediate relief, while others need gradual sessions.
Activity level and lifestyle – Active individuals may need more frequent treatments to manage strain.
Other treatments being used – Dry needling is often combined with physiotherapy, massage, or exercise rehab for optimal results.
When to Reduce Frequency or Pause Treatments:
If soreness or bruising persists longer than 48 hours after sessions.
If symptoms significantly improve—your physiotherapist may recommend transitioning to maintenance treatments.
If adverse effects occur (e.g., severe pain, dizziness)—discuss with your physiotherapist before continuing.
Maintenance & Long-Term Care:
For ongoing muscle health or chronic pain management, maintenance dry needling every 4–6 weeks can help prevent the recurrence of tightness and pain.
The ideal frequency of dry needling is highly individualized. Acute pain may only need a few focused sessions, while chronic pain or sports-related concerns may benefit from a longer treatment plan with regular maintenance sessions.
Always consult with your physiotherapist or myotherapist to create a treatment schedule tailored to your needs and monitor your progress throughout the process.
Although dry needling and acupuncture both use fine, sterile needles inserted into the skin, they differ significantly in purpose, technique, philosophy, and treatment goals. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right approach for pain relief, injury recovery, or holistic health.
Dry Needling:
A modern, evidence-based technique used primarily by physiotherapists, myotherapists, and other manual therapists. Its primary goal is to relieve muscle pain, improve mobility, and release trigger points (tight muscle knots). Based on Western medicine principles of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
Acupuncture:
A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for thousands of years. Its goal is to restore the body’s energy flow (“Qi”) and achieve balance within the body’s systems. Based on meridian theory, where specific acupuncture points correspond to different organs and energy pathways.
Dry Needling:
Targets specific muscles, trigger points, and connective tissues.
Aims to:
Acupuncture:
Focuses on treating a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional conditions by balancing energy flow.
Aims to:
Dry Needling:
Needles are inserted directly into tight muscle bands (trigger points) or dysfunctional tissues.
Often involves a technique called the “twitch response”—when the muscle contracts involuntarily as the needle stimulates it, helping to release tension.
Sessions may involve brief, targeted needling at specific pain points.
Acupuncture:
Needles are placed along meridian lines and at acupuncture points, not necessarily where the pain is felt. Needles are typically left in place for 15–30 minutes while the patient relaxes. In some cases, the therapist may apply gentle movements or electrical stimulation to the needles.
Dry Needling:
Patients may feel a quick muscle twitch, dull ache, or mild cramping at the needle site. Mild soreness for 24–48 hours is common, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness.
Acupuncture:
Generally painless or minimally uncomfortable. Some patients feel a tingling, warmth, or heaviness at the needle site. The process is often described as deeply relaxing.
Dry Needling is commonly used for:
Acupuncture is commonly used for:
Dry Needling:
Performed by physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, or myotherapists who have completed specific training in dry needling techniques.
It is often integrated into broader physiotherapy or manual therapy treatments.
Acupuncture:
Practiced by licensed acupuncturists or traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Requires extensive training in TCM philosophy, meridian theory, and diagnostic techniques.
Choose Dry Needling if you:
Choose Acupuncture if you:
While dry needling and acupuncture may appear similar, their purpose, techniques, and treatment outcomes are quite different.
Dry Needling is a targeted, evidence-based approach used in physiotherapy and manual therapy to address muscle dysfunction, pain, and mobility issues.
Acupuncture offers a holistic, whole-body approach rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to restore balance and
support a wide range of physical and emotional conditions.
Both treatments have their place in healthcare, and in some cases, they can complement each other. If you’re unsure which approach is best for you, consult with a physiotherapist or a licensed acupuncturist to discuss your specific needs and goals.