Dry Needling
Dry Needling is a therapeutic technique used by healthcare professionalised to treat muscle related pain and dysfunction.
The treatment includes inserting very fine, solid needles (similar to the needles used in acupuncture therapy) into problematic tight bands of muscle (also known as trigger points). These trigger points are involved in the dysfunction, pain and stiffness in the problematic area. It is called “dry” needling – because they are inserted directly into trigger points without injecting any substances.
About Dry Needling
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Firstly, your Physiotherapist identifies the problematic muscles and trigger points. If appropriate, they then insert the needles directly into those trigger points. The needle may trigger a local twitch response – which is a quick contraction of the muscle. This twitch response is often a physical sign that the trigger point and muscle is being released.
How Can It Help You?
✔ Releases stubborn muscle knots and trigger points
✔ Reduces both acute and chronic muscular pain
✔ Improves flexibility and joint range of motion
✔ Enhances muscle recruitment and performance
✔ Speeds recovery when paired with exercise or manual therapy
-
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial pain syndrome
Neck or back pain
Tension headaches
-
Muscle strains or overuse injuries
Recovery from intense training or competition
Improving range of motion and flexibility
Relieving trigger points and tight muscles from high training load
-
Helps regain function faster during physical rehabilitation
Reduces compensatory muscle tightness
Assists in breaking up scar tissue or tight muscle from protecting and guarding
-
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis or tendinopathy
Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis
-
Relieves tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
Helps correct imbalances caused by sitting for long periods
-
Joint stiffness or tightness that restricts movement
Helps improve mobility in shoulders, hips, knees, etc.
What Is The Process & What Can It Treat?
Your dry needling session begins with an assessment in which your therapist carefully palpates the muscles to identify tight bands and trigger points. Next comes the needle application: ultra-fine, solid needles are briefly inserted into each pinpointed area, often eliciting a subtle local twitch response that signifies the muscle is releasing. Finally, a brief period of gentle stretching or prescribed exercises follows to reinforce the release and help restore optimal movement.
Benefits of Dry Needling:
✔ Rapid, targeted pain relief and muscle relaxation
✔ Increased blood flow for faster tissue healing
✔ Improved movement quality and functional performance
✔ Minimal discomfort and downtime
Before starting any Dry Needling treatment, our Physiotherapists will carefully review your health history to ensure the service is suitable for you. However, if you have any existing medical conditions that could be contraindicated or require special precautions, we strongly advise consulting your doctor or healthcare provider before booking. This helps ensure that Dry Needling is both safe and appropriate for your specific health needs. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.
⚠️ Things to Know about Dry Needling
-
Dry Needling is generally safe when performed by a trained practitioner; but as with any treatment, there can be some side effects. With dry needling - most of them are mild and temporary, often only lasting 24-48 hours.
You may feel mild soreness or aching in the treated area for 24–48 hours.
Minor bruising or pinpoint bleeding can occur where the needles were inserted.
Temporary muscle twitching or fatigue might follow your session.
-
Children
Generally avoided or modified unless the practitioner is trained in paediatric needling.
Fresh Post-Surgery
Immediately post surgery there is an increased risk of infection, and we need to give the local tissues time to heal without disrupting the natural healing process. Dry Needing can be administered after sufficient healing and with clinical clearance.
Severe fear of needles
If unable to stay relaxed, the treatment may not be effective or comfortable.
Neurological conditions
In some cases, needling may not be appropriate without careful assessment.
-
1. People with needle phobia or extreme anxiety
As this may cause anxiety, fainting, panic, or distress.
2. Bleeding Disorders (i.e. Hemophilia, anti-coagulant medication / blood thinners e.g. Warfarin)
Dry needling can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
3. During Pregnancy (in certain areas)
No Dry Needling at all during the first trimester.
Needling should be avoided in specific trigger points that may stimulate uterine contractions. At SRP, we do not dry needles during pregnancy – as although it can be safely and skilfully done beyond the first trimester, we never want to put our clients at risk of any adverse reactions. There are many other treatment techniques that can be utilised instead!
4. People with compromised immune systems
Although Dry Needling is all very sterile, this population are more prone to infection – which we want to avoid.
5. Skin infections or open wounds at the treatment site
Needling over these areas can cause further issues in the local tissue, and there is a risk of introducing bacteria into deeper tissue.
6. Severe Neurological Disorders (i.e. Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, or Severe Neuropathy)
Sensation perception and motor control are often compromised with Severe Neurological Disorders, and the individual may not be able to assess pain or discomfort during RSWT. There is additional risk of complications due to loss of protective responses (including reflexes).