Dry Needling: What It Is and How It Works
If you've ever been told you have a "tight muscle," a "knot," or a stubborn area of pain that just won't seem to go away, you may have heard of dry needling.
Dry needling is a physiotherapy treatment technique that uses very thin, sterile needles to target specific muscles and tissues. While it uses needles, dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. The two techniques have different approaches, training, and treatment philosophies.
So, what exactly is dry needling, and how can it help?
WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
Dry needling is a treatment technique commonly used by physiotherapists to address muscle pain, trigger points, muscle tension, and movement restrictions.
A very thin, solid filament needle is inserted through the skin into a targeted area of muscle or soft tissue. Your physiotherapist uses their knowledge of anatomy and your individual assessment to determine where and how the needle should be placed.
The word "dry" refers to the fact that nothing is injected through the needle. Unlike an injection, there is no medication or fluid being delivered.
The goal is to use the needle as a tool to stimulate the targeted tissue and help reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore movement.
HOW DOES DRY NEEDLING WORK?
When a muscle becomes overloaded, irritated, or remains contracted for an extended period of time, certain areas of the muscle can become particularly sensitive.
These areas are sometimes referred to as trigger points or "knots."
During dry needling, the physiotherapist inserts the needle into the targeted tissue. Depending on the technique being used, this can create a brief local muscle response.
This stimulation may help:
Decrease sensitivity in painful areas
Reduce muscle tension
Improve local circulation
Improve muscle function
Increase range of motion
Reduce pain
Help you move more comfortably
Dry needling may also influence how the nervous system processes pain. In other words, the effects aren't necessarily limited to the exact spot where the needle is inserted.
WHAT DOES DRY NEEDLING FEEL LIKE?
One of the most common questions we hear is:
"Does it hurt?"
The answer is: it can feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be unbearable.
The needles used for dry needling are extremely thin, and many people don't feel the needle entering the skin.
You may experience a brief twitch, cramping sensation, ache, pressure, or a feeling similar to a muscle spasm when the needle reaches the targeted tissue.
Your physiotherapist will communicate with you throughout the treatment and adjust the technique based on your response.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A DRY NEEDLING TREATMENT?
Your physiotherapist will first assess your symptoms and movement to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for you.
They may look at:
Your range of motion
Muscle strength and function
Areas of tenderness
Movement patterns
Your symptoms and pain levels
The muscles or tissues contributing to your problem
If dry needling is appropriate, your physiotherapist will explain the treatment and obtain your consent before beginning.
The area being treated will be cleaned, and a sterile, single-use needle will be inserted into the targeted tissue.
Dry needling is often used as part of a larger physiotherapy treatment plan, rather than as a standalone treatment. Your appointment may also include manual therapy, exercise, mobility work, education, or other techniques depending on your needs.
WHAT CAN DRY NEEDLING HELP WITH?
Dry needling may be used as part of treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal concerns, including:
Neck and shoulder pain
Low back pain
Hip pain
Muscle tension
Sports injuries
Muscle strains
Tendon-related pain
Headaches associated with muscular tension
Restricted range of motion
Persistent muscle soreness or tightness
Whether dry needling is appropriate depends on the individual and the cause of their symptoms.
It's important to remember that not every painful or tight muscle needs to be needled. Your physiotherapist will determine whether it is an appropriate option based on your assessment.
IS DRY NEEDLING THE SAME AS ACUPUNCTURE?
No.
Although both techniques use thin needles, they are different practices.
Dry needling is generally used within a physiotherapy assessment and treatment framework and focuses on musculoskeletal structures, pain, movement, and muscle function.
Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on a different theoretical framework and treatment approach.
At Sitka Health Collective, we offer both dry needling through physiotherapy and acupuncture through our acupuncture/TCM services.
If you're unsure which approach may be appropriate for you, our practitioners can help determine which service best fits your goals.
CAN YOU BE SORE AFTER DRY NEEDLING?
It's common to experience some temporary soreness after dry needling.
You may feel like you've had a workout in the treated muscles, with mild aching or tenderness lasting anywhere from several hours to a couple of days.
Your physiotherapist may recommend gentle movement, hydration, or other strategies following your treatment.
Severe or worsening symptoms are not considered a typical response, so it's important to let your physiotherapist know if you experience anything concerning following treatment.
IS DRY NEEDLING SAFE?
When performed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional using sterile, single-use needles and proper technique, dry needling is generally considered a safe treatment technique.
However, as with any treatment, there are potential risks and it isn't appropriate for everyone.
Your physiotherapist will review your health history and determine whether dry needling is suitable for you. Always let your physiotherapist know about relevant medications, medical conditions, pregnancy, recent surgeries, or other factors that may affect whether needling is appropriate.
DRY NEEDLING ISN’T A QUICK FIX.
While some people notice a change in their pain or movement after a dry needling session, dry needling isn't intended to be a magic solution or a replacement for rehabilitation.
Pain and movement problems are often influenced by multiple factors.
That's why dry needling is typically most effective when combined with other physiotherapy strategies, such as:
Strengthening exercises
Mobility work
Movement retraining
Load management
Education
Manual therapy
A gradual return to activity
The goal isn't simply to make a muscle feel better for a few hours. The goal is to help you move better, build capacity, and address the factors contributing to your symptoms.
DOES DRY NEEDLING WORK FOR EVERYONE?
No treatment works exactly the same way for everyone.
Some people experience significant relief following dry needling, while others may notice little change. Your response can depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms, how long you've been experiencing them, your overall health, and what other treatments are being used.
Your physiotherapist will help determine whether dry needling makes sense as part of your individualized treatment plan.
THINKING ABOUT TRYING DRY NEEDLING?
If you've been dealing with persistent muscle tension, pain, or restricted movement, dry needling may be one tool that can be incorporated into your physiotherapy treatment.
At Sitka Health Collective, our physiotherapists take the time to assess the whole picture rather than simply treating the painful area.
If you're curious about whether dry needling could be appropriate for you, add yourself to our physiotherapy assessment waiting list and talk to your physiotherapist about whether it's a good fit for your treatment plan.
Have questions about dry needling? We're here to help.
