Dry needling is a therapeutic technique performed by trained healthcare professionals—such as physical therapists, chiropractors, or medical doctors—to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific tight muscle bands or trigger points often referred to as myofascial trigger points to reduce pain, release tension, and restore normal function.
Unlike injections, no medication is used. The goal is to stimulate your body’s natural healing response through targeted muscle activation.
Dry needling targets trigger points, which are areas of hyperirritable muscle tissue that can cause pain and discomfort.
These trigger points may develop due to factors such as overuse, injury, poor posture, or stress. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it creates a minor injury or microtrauma.
This stimulates the body's natural healing response by increasing blood flow to the area, releasing muscle tension, and promoting tissue repair.
It’s important to note that while dry needling can be highly effective for many patients, individual responses may vary.
Trigger points, often referred to as “muscle knots,” are hyperirritable, palpable nodules located in a taut band of skeletal muscle.. These points can develop from:
Overuse
Poor posture
Stress
Sports injuries
Repetitive strain
Trigger points may cause:
Local tenderness
A local twitch response
Referred pain
Dry needling targets these trigger points to evokes a healing response and relieve painful neuromuscular conditions.
The term “dry” refers to the fact that no medication or solution is injected. The treatment uses ultra-thin, solid filament needles inserted directly into tight or dysfunctional muscles.
Treatment Goals Include:
Reducing muscular pain
Improving flexibility
Increasing range of motion
Although dry needling uses similar tools to acupuncture, the two are fundamentally different in purpose and approach.
|
Dry needling |
Acupuncture |
|---|---|
|
Releases & relaxes tight or injured muscles |
Promotes natural healing & pain relief |
|
Uses solid sterilised needles |
Uses solid sterilised needles |
|
One needle technique |
Several needles |
|
Needles inserted into tight muscle bands |
Needles inserted along energy pathways |
|
Therapist handles the needle for the entire treatment |
Needles stay in place for 20–30 minutes |
Dry needling can be used to treat many different musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder, neck, heel, hip, and back pain.
Our chiropractor and physiotherapist are certified in dry needling and treat patients who require this therapy. We plan and design treatment combinations individually for each patient to ensure they achieve the best possible recovery.
When the needle is inserted into the skin, you might feel a slight pinprick or a sensation similar to a mosquito bite. This initial feeling is usually brief and not overly painful.
As the needle reaches a trigger point or a tight band of muscle, you may experience a small twitch or an involuntary muscle contraction. This twitch response indicates that the treatment is targeting the correct area.
Many individuals also experience a sense of deep relaxation during or after dry needling, which may be due to the release of tension in the treated muscles.
A common response during treatment is muscle twitching—a reflexive reaction that occurs when the needle reaches a dysfunctional muscle area.
This twitch response:
Releases tension in the taut muscle band
Decreases tightness and sensitivity
Helps restore normal blood circulation
Flushes out inflammatory chemicals
When a twitch occurs, it indicates that the needle has successfully targeted the affected trigger point.
Yes, dry needling is generally safe when performed by a trained and certified therapist who understands the appropriate contraindications and precautions.
Most patients describe the sensation as a mild, dull ache during and shortly after treatment. The twitch response may cause brief discomfort, but it typically lasts only a few seconds.
It is normal to experience mild to moderate muscle soreness for up to 24 hours post-treatment. You can ease this by:
Staying hydrated
Stretching
Dry needling can help with many musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Headaches & migraines
Neck pain
Low back pain
Knee pain (including osteoarthritis)
Shoulder issues (frozen shoulder, impingement, rotator cuff strain)
Tennis elbow & thrower’s elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Hip pain
IT band syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Shin splints
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis
Ankle sprains
Muscle strains
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, dry needling can be an effective component of your treatment plan.
We’re near you in PJ and KL.
At One Spine Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Centre, our certified professionals have more than 5 years of experience and have treated over 4,000 patients.
We provide:
Individually tailored treatment plans
Comprehensive assessments
Evidence-based techniques
Safe, hygienic care
A clinic sanitized twice daily following strict SOPs
Your recovery and comfort are our top priority.
Book an Appointment Today! Call us at 017-3366010
Let our certified team help you relieve pain, improve mobility, and get back to feeling your best.
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