Dry Needling
Enquire About Dry NeedlingDry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile needles to target tight muscles and myofascial trigger points. At One Spine Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Centre, our chiropractors and physiotherapists certified in dry needling use the technique as part of an individually planned approach for suitable musculoskeletal concerns.
What Dry Needling Helps With
Trigger points are sensitive areas within taut bands of skeletal muscle, often described as muscle knots. They may be associated with tenderness, tightness, a local twitch response or referred pain, where discomfort is experienced away from the trigger point itself.
Dry needling directly targets these muscles and trigger points and may be considered when muscular factors are contributing to pain or restricted movement.
What Happens During Dry Needling?
Before treatment, the practitioner assesses your condition and identifies muscles or trigger points relevant to your symptoms. A thin, sterile needle is then inserted through the skin into the targeted muscle tissue.
Unlike an injection, no medication or liquid is introduced. The needle creates a local stimulus that may produce a brief twitch response and physiological responses associated with blood flow, muscle relaxation and tissue recovery.
What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
You may notice a brief pinprick as the needle enters the skin. When a tight muscle or trigger point is targeted, sensations can include a twitch, dull ache, deep pressure or temporary discomfort.
Temporary muscle soreness can also occur afterwards and may feel similar to soreness following exercise. Some patients may experience mild to moderate soreness for up to approximately 24 hours, although individual responses vary.
When May Dry Needling Be Considered?
Dry needling may be incorporated into care for musculoskeletal concerns involving muscle tightness, trigger points, pain or restricted movement. These may include:
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Neck and lower back pain
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Frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement and rotator cuff strain
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Tennis elbow and thrower's elbow
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Hip and knee pain
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IT band and patellofemoral pain concerns
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Muscle strains and sports injuries
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Shin splints and Achilles tendinopathy
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Plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains
Having one of these concerns does not automatically mean dry needling is appropriate. Assessment helps determine whether muscular or trigger-point involvement makes the technique relevant to your treatment plan.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture
Although both techniques use thin needles, they follow different treatment principles. Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and musculoskeletal principles and targets specific muscles and myofascial trigger points.
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and involves selected acupuncture points and meridian pathways. At One Spine, dry needling is provided specifically as a musculoskeletal treatment technique.
How Dry Needling Fits Into Treatment
Dry needling is not used as a standalone solution for every painful condition. Depending on your symptoms, movement and recovery needs, it may form part of an individually designed treatment combination.
For sports injuries and other musculoskeletal concerns, the wider rehabilitation approach may also involve strengthening, mobility work and structured rehabilitation where appropriate.
Find Out Whether Dry Needling Is Suitable for You
If muscle tightness, trigger points or musculoskeletal pain are affecting your movement or daily activities, our team can assess the relevant muscular factors and determine whether dry needling should form part of your treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling
Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by an appropriately trained professional following relevant hygiene, precaution and contraindication procedures. At One Spine, sterile needles are used and individual suitability is considered before treatment.
Temporary muscle soreness may occur after treatment. Patients should follow their practitioner's specific aftercare guidance, which may include staying hydrated, gentle stretching where appropriate and applying heat when advised.
Dry needling at One Spine is provided by chiropractors and physiotherapists who are certified in the technique. Treatment is planned according to the patient's individual condition and needs.