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Dry Needling

Overview

Dry needling involves the insertion of fine needles into specific muscle, tendon or ligament trigger points to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension and promote healing. It is complementary to injection therapies and may be used together to optimise joint/soft-tissue function.

Dry needling treatment for muscle pain
Dry needling for musculoskeletal pain
Trigger point dry needling therapy

What It Treats

  • Tendinopathies (e.g., patellar, Achilles)

  • Myofascial trigger point pain around joints

  • Post-injury soft tissue pain that contributes to joint dysfunction

How It Works

Using anatomical landmarks (and optionally ultrasound guidance), the clinician locates tight or dysfunctional tissues and inserts needles to stimulate a local healing response, improve circulation and reduce pain.

Improved movement after dry needling therapy
Specialist performing dry needling treatment
Reduced muscle pain after dry needling
Dry needling for muscle tension relief

Benefits & Limitations

Benefits

  • Minimally invasive and low risk procedure

  • Relieves muscular tightness and trigger point pain effectively

  • Enhances flexibility and range of motion around affected joints

  • Supports rehabilitation when combined with physiotherapy or injection treatments

  • Can be safely repeated as part of an ongoing pain management plan

Limitations

  • May require multiple sessions for optimal results

  • Results depend on the underlying cause and patient compliance with aftercare

  • May cause mild post-treatment soreness or fatigue

  • Not a replacement for structural joint treatments when deeper pathology exists

Side Effects & Considerations

  • Mild muscle soreness or bruising at the needle site (usually subsides within 24–48 hours)

  • Occasional temporary fatigue or mild ache after treatment

  • Rare chance of minor bleeding at insertion points

  • Treatment is not suitable for patients with needle phobia, bleeding disorders, or on certain blood-thinning medications

  • Always performed using single-use sterile needles for safety

Post-treatment relief following dry needling
Muscle relaxation after dry needling therapy

Procedure & Aftercare

  • The procedure is performed in a sterile clinical setting by a trained practitioner.

  • Needles are inserted into identified trigger points and left in place for a short duration (typically 5–10 minutes).

  • Most patients report a deep sense of relaxation and reduced muscle tightness immediately after.

  • Drink plenty of water to help flush metabolic by-products.

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

  • Gentle stretching and heat can help ease post-treatment soreness.

  • Mild tenderness is normal and should settle within a day or two.

  • Follow-up sessions are scheduled based on symptom response and treatment goals.

Enhanced function following dry needling
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