Dry needling is an alternative to massage for treating muscle-related pain, when a “trigger point” in the muscle is targeted as being responsible for pain and dysfunction.

Dry needling involves a sterile acupuncture needle inserted into the skin and muscle, directly aimed at a myofascial trigger point. Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle. The myofascial trigger point response causes a quick pain in the muscle which should then gradually reduce.

Some people prefer dry needling to deep tissue massage as they feel it hits the deep tightness more effectively. There are many similarities and differences between dry needling and acupuncture. In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research.



Dry needling can be used for a variety of problems in which muscles are thought to be causing pain or problems. This includes neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, tension headaches, buttock pain, leg pain and knee pain. We usually use it in combination with other treatments.

Dry Needling can treat the following issues:

• tennis elbow
• low back pain
• neck pain
• sciatica
• hip pain
• shoulder pain
• knee pain
• kneecap problems (patellofemoral pain)
• runners’ knee 
• hamstring and calf injuries
• groin injuries

If you wish to have dry needling please discuss with your physiotherapist to see if it is suitable for your problem.