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How Dry Needling Works: Benefits and What to Expect

15 Oct 2025

Written by Wesley Adora (Physiotherapist, APAM)

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique used by physiotherapists to relieve pain, release muscle tension, and restore mobility. If you’ve ever experienced stubborn muscle knots or tightness that won’t go away with stretching or massage, dry needling may be a treatment worth exploring. This guide explains how it works, what benefits it offers, and what to expect during a typical session.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique where fine, sterile needles are gently inserted into or around specific trigger points in your muscles. These are areas that become tight or sensitive due to overuse, stress, injury, or poor posture. Unlike injections, no medication is used — the needle itself stimulates the tissue to produce a therapeutic effect.

The aim of dry needling is to relax muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce pain, and support natural healing.

How Dry Needling Works

1. Targeting Trigger Points
Trigger points are sensitive spots in tight bands of muscle that can cause local or referred pain. When a needle is inserted into this point, it often causes a small, involuntary muscle twitch. This response is a positive sign that the muscle is reacting to the treatment.

2. Promoting Circulation and Healing
The mechanical stimulation from the needle encourages increased blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area while flushing out waste products. This helps muscles recover more effectively.

3. Resetting Pain Signals
Needling also triggers neurological responses in the body. By stimulating nerve pathways, it can reduce pain signals, promote relaxation, and support the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms.

4. Different Techniques

Depending on the location and severity of your symptoms, your physiotherapist may use shallow or deeper needling. In some cases, gentle movement of the needle may be used to enhance its effect.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling can be beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including:

Muscle pain and stiffness
Neck, shoulder, and lower back pain
Headaches and migraines
Jaw pain (TMJ disorders)
Tendon-related issues and sports injuries
Postural dysfunction and overuse injuries

Many patients experience improved flexibility, reduced pain, and better movement shortly after treatment. It can also speed up recovery when combined with other physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, exercise, and rehabilitation.

Risks and Considerations

When performed by a qualified physiotherapist, dry needling is considered safe and effective. However, like any treatment, there may be minor side effects including:

Mild soreness for 24–48 hours
Slight bruising at the insertion site
Temporary stiffness or fatigue

Serious complications are very rare. Your therapist will always assess your medical history and ensure the treatment is appropriate for your specific needs.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

Before the session
Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, locate trigger points, and explain the procedure to ensure you feel comfortable.

During the session
The treatment area will be cleaned, and fine needles will be inserted into the targeted muscles. You may feel a brief prick or a deep ache. Some people experience a twitch response, which is completely normal and often a good sign.

After the session
Mild soreness may occur, similar to post-workout muscle fatigue. Gentle movement, hydration, and light stretching can help ease this discomfort. Many people notice immediate or gradual relief over the following days.

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, but most people benefit from a short treatment plan combined with other physiotherapy techniques

Why Choose Dry Needling at Norwest

At Norwest Central Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, dry needling is delivered as part of a tailored treatment plan designed to address the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. Our experienced physiotherapists use safe, evidence-based techniques and combine them with other therapies such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and posture correction to achieve lasting results.

If you’re experiencing muscle pain or tightness, book an appointment today to learn how dry needling can help restore your comfort and movement.