Tight, painful knots in muscles, known as trigger points, can cause pain in the area and refer pain elsewhere, for example from the shoulder into the head. Dry needling uses a very fine needle to release these trigger points directly, often giving fast relief that hands alone cannot achieve.
Our physiotherapists also offer acupuncture for pain relief. Both are always used alongside exercise and advice as part of a complete treatment plan.
Dry needling and acupuncture: what is the difference?
Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and targets specific trigger points in muscles, often producing a brief twitch as the muscle releases. Acupuncture comes from traditional practice and places needles at defined points, often for general pain relief and relaxation. Both use the same type of thin, solid needle, and no medicine is injected.
Conditions that respond well
- Neck and shoulder tension and pain
- Low back pain and muscle spasm
- Tension-type headaches
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
- Sports muscle injuries and tightness
- Hip, buttock and knee pain linked to trigger points
What a session feels like
Insertion of the needle is usually barely felt. When a trigger point releases you may feel a brief ache or twitch. Afterwards the area can feel sore for a day, like after exercise. Most sessions last 30 to 45 minutes, including assessment, needling and exercises.
Safety
- Sterile, single-use needles, disposed of safely after each patient
- Delivered only by practitioners trained and certified in the technique
- Explained fully and only done with your consent
- Not used in some situations, such as needle phobia, certain bleeding disorders or over infected skin; we screen for these first
Dry Needling & Acupuncture: frequently asked questions
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel little when the needle goes in. A brief twitch or deep ache can occur as the muscle releases, and mild soreness may last a day.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people feel a difference after one or two sessions. A typical course is three to six sessions combined with exercises.
Is it safe?
In trained hands, with sterile single-use needles and proper screening, dry needling and acupuncture are very safe.