Demystifying Dry Needling: A Modern Approach to Pain Relief

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where a thin, solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and underlying tissues, particularly into areas of muscle tightness, tenderness, or pain. These regions often correspond to what are known as myofascial trigger points (MTPs), taut bands within the muscle that can cause both local and referred pain.

The term dry refers to the fact that no fluid is injected, unlike wet needling, which uses a hollow needle to deliver substances like anaesthetics or corticosteroids.

Dry needling is backed by Western medical principles and is often used by physiotherapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, with the aim of improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring function.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

Dry needling acts on multiple levels: muscular, chemical, and neurological.

• Muscle relaxation: It helps relax the muscle by reducing electrical activity within the trigger point.

• Biochemical changes: Needling alters the chemical environment around the tight or painful area, helping to normalise pain-associated chemicals and reduce local inflammation.

• Brain-level modulation: Perhaps most interestingly, dry needling changes how your brain interprets pain. It activates specific areas of the brain, including motor and sensory regions, that can help “dial down” pain perception.

  

  Dry Needling

Beyond traditional muscle targeting, subcutaneous fascial needling may also be used for persistent myofascial pain or tension where the connective tissue layer (fascia) contributes to dysfunction. 

Needles on Back

Do I Need Dry Needling?

Dry needling can be helpful if you are dealing with:

• Myofascial trigger points (MTPs)

• Acute or chronic muscle or joint pain

• Radicular pain or radiculopathy (e.g. nerve symptoms radiating down a limb)

• Stiffness or discomfort along nerve pathways (e.g. dermatomes or myotomes)

• Tension-related headaches

• Persistent pain patterns not resolving with other treatments

However, it is not for everyone. Your physiotherapist will always screen for contraindications before recommending it. For instance, dry needling is not suitable for patients with joint replacements in the region, metal allergies, certain medications (e.g. blood thinners), pregnancy, systemic illnesses, pacemakers, or anyone unable to give clear consent.

Dry needling is one of several tools we use to support your recovery, and it is always paired with a full assessment and clinical reasoning process. If you are curious whether this might help you, feel free to have a chat with one of our therapists during your next visit.