What is dry needling?

Dry Needling
Book Now

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique in which thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific trigger points within the muscle or soft tissue to relieve pain and improve movement. It is primarily used by physical therapists, myotherapists, and other healthcare practitioners to treat musculoskeletal issues, including muscle pain, tension, and restricted mobility. The name “dry” refers to the absence of any fluid or medication within the needles—unlike traditional injections.

Benefits of dry needling?

  1. Pain Reduction: It is commonly used to alleviate conditions such as chronic muscle pain, tension headaches, back pain, and joint pain.
  2. Improved Mobility: Dry needling can help increase range of motion and flexibility by reducing muscle tightness.
  3. Enhanced Function: Athletes and active individuals often use dry needling to improve performance by reducing muscle tension and speeding up recovery after physical exertion.

Difference from Acupunture

While dry needling and acupuncture both involve inserting needles into the body, they differ significantly in philosophy and purpose. Dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on muscle pain and dysfunction, whereas acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine, using needles to balance energy flow (Qi) along meridians for a wide range of health conditions.

Dry needling is typically considered safe when performed by a trained professional, though there may be temporary soreness or mild bruising at the insertion sites. As with any therapy, it should be discussed with a qualified practitioner to ensure it is appropriate for an individual’s specific needs.