DRY NEEDLING
Targeted relief for muscle pain and tension.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement issues. It involves the insertion of fine, sterile acupuncture needles into "trigger points"—what many of our patients describe as "knots" in the muscle.
Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is based on Eastern medicine and energy flow (Qi), Dry Needling is rooted in Western medical science. It focuses specifically on the nervous system and musculoskeletal anatomy to release muscle tension and improve blood flow.
​
How does it work?
When a muscle is overused or injured, it can develop tight bands of fibres that stay in a "contracted" state. These trigger points can be painful to the touch and may even cause "referred pain" in other parts of the body.
Dry needling helps by:
-
Releasing Tension: The needle encourages the muscle to "twitch" and then deeply relax.
-
Improving Blood Flow: The process stimulates local circulation, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area to speed up healing.
-
Interrupting Pain Signals: It helps desensitize irritated nerves, providing relief from chronic or acute discomfort.
​
What conditions can it help with ?
​
​​Dry needling is often used alongside osteopathy, physiotherapy or massage. It is particularly effective for:
-
Chronic neck and shoulder tension
-
Lower back pain and stiffness
-
Tension headaches and jaw (TMJ) pain
-
Sports injuries and repetitive strain (like Tennis Elbow)
-
Hip and gluteal pain (including Sciatica-like symptoms)
What does it involve ?
We use only single-use, sterile, ultra-fine needles. You will be placed in a comfortable position
The needle is gently inserted through the skin and into the belly of the muscle.
-
The Sensation: You may feel a tiny pinch as it enters the skin; you may feel nothing at all.
-
The "Twitch Response": As the needle hits the trigger point, the muscle often performs a "local twitch response"—a quick, involuntary contraction. This is a sign that the muscle is "resetting" and starting to release its tension.
The needles may be left in place for anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on your specific needs. Your practitioner may gently manipulate the needle to enhance the effect. Once removed, there is usually no bleeding, though very occasional minor bruising can occur.
HOW CAN DRY NEEDLING HELP ME?
Many of our patients come to us when they feel "stuck"—whether that’s a physical restriction in a joint or a persistent ache that won't go away with rest alone. Dry needling acts as a targeted "reset button" for your neuromuscular system.
Rapid pain relief
​
By targeting the specific "trigger points" that cause discomfort, dry needling can provide faster relief than traditional massage alone. It helps to desensitize irritated nerve endings and prompts the brain to release endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.
Improved flexibility and mobility
​
When a muscle is chronically tight, it limits the movement of the nearby joints. By releasing these tight bands of fiber, dry needling helps restore your natural range of motion.
​
Accelerated healing
The insertion of the needle creates a tiny "micro-trauma" to the tissue. This signals the body to send fresh, oxygenated blood and healing cells to the area. This process is excellent for "waking up" old injuries that have become stagnant or haven't fully healed.
​
Breaking the stress/tension cylcle
​
Physical pain often leads to mental stress, which in turn causes more muscle tension. Dry needling helps break this cycle by forcing the muscle to switch from a state of "contraction" to "relaxation," helping your whole nervous system feel more regulated.