PHYSIOMOTIVEWhat dry needling is
Dry needling uses a very thin, sterile, single-use needle placed into a tight band or trigger point in a muscle. Nothing is injected, which is why it is called "dry". The aim is to release the knot, reduce pain and let the muscle move normally again.
It uses the same type of needle as acupuncture, but it is a physiotherapy technique chosen after a musculoskeletal assessment, and it is used as one part of a wider treatment plan.
Problems it may help
- Tight, knotted muscles in the neck, upper back and shoulders, including neck pain and tension-type headaches
- Lower back and buttock muscle tightness, including pain that mimics sciatica
- Muscle pain around the shoulder, including some frozen shoulder cases
- Overuse pain in the forearm, calf, thigh and hip
- Muscle tightness that keeps returning after sports or desk work
Research suggests dry needling can give short-term pain relief and better movement in muscle-related pain, and that it works best when combined with exercise. It is not a stand-alone cure.
What it feels like
Most people feel a quick prick at most. When the needle reaches a tight spot you may feel a deep ache, a cramp or a brief muscle twitch. That is expected and passes in seconds. The area can feel sore, like after a hard workout, for a day or two, and small bruises can appear.
What to expect in a session
- An assessment first, to decide whether dry needling suits you
- Needling of one or more points for a few minutes, with you lying or sitting comfortably
- Stretching, hands-on work or exercise straight after, so the muscle keeps its new freedom
- Advice on what to do, and what to go easy on, over the next day or two
Eat beforehand and wear loose clothing that lets us reach the area. Tell us if you are nervous about needles, and we will go at your pace.
Safety
We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene. Dry needling is not suitable for everyone, so please tell us before your session if you:
- take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- are pregnant or may be pregnant
- have an infection, a skin problem or swelling in the area to be treated
- have a fever or feel generally unwell
- tend to faint, or have lymphoedema in the limb
- have had a reaction to needles or metal before
Safety: when to speak to us or a doctor
Dry needling is generally safe in trained hands, but get medical attention promptly if after a session you notice any of these:
- Sharp chest pain or breathlessness, especially after needling around the neck, shoulder or upper back. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital
- Spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever around a needle site
- Heavy bleeding, or swelling that keeps growing
- Fainting or dizziness that does not settle after resting
- New numbness or weakness in the treated limb
Frequently asked questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. The needle is similar, but dry needling is based on a physiotherapy assessment of muscles and trigger points, while acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel little at insertion. A deep ache or short muscle twitch can happen when a tight spot is reached. Soreness for a day or two afterwards is common.
How many sessions will I need?
Some people feel a difference after the first session and others need several. Needling is usually combined with exercise so that the improvement lasts.
Can I exercise after a session?
Light movement is fine and often helps. If the muscle is sore, go easy on heavy training of that area for a day or two.
How is dry needling different from cupping?
Needling targets specific tight points inside the muscle, while cupping uses suction on the skin over a wider area. We use either, or both, based on your assessment.