Dry needling
At Therapointe Physiotherapy
We offer dry needling as part of our comprehensive physiotherapy treatment approach to help relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal movement patterns. Dry needling is a safe and effective technique that targets myofascial trigger points—commonly referred to as “muscle knots”—which can contribute to pain, stiffness, and movement dysfunction.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves the use of fine, sterile, single-use needles inserted into specific points within the muscle tissue. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling is grounded in Western medical and anatomical science.
The insertion of the needle helps to:
- Release tight muscle bands and trigger points
- Improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissue
- Decrease local and referred pain
- Restore normal muscle activation and movement
- Promote the body’s natural healing response
When the needle stimulates a trigger point, a small, brief muscle twitch may occur — this is a normal response that indicates the muscle is relaxing and resetting.
Clinical Benefits
of Dry Needling
Dry needling can be beneficial for a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder and rotator cuff conditions
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Hip and gluteal pain
- Knee and lower leg pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Headaches and jaw (TMJ) pain
- Sports injuries and overuse syndromes
Patients often experience reduced pain, improved range of motion, and decreased muscle tightness following treatment. When combined with manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation, dry needling can accelerate recovery and enhance long-term outcomes.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your physiotherapist will first perform a detailed assessment to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your condition.
During treatment, very fine needles are gently inserted into the targeted muscle tissue. You may feel a mild ache or brief twitch response, followed by a sense of relaxation or lightness in the area.
Most sessions last between 10–20 minutes, depending on the treatment area and goals. Some temporary soreness may occur for 24–48 hours afterward, similar to post-exercise muscle tenderness.
Integrating Dry Needling into Your Treatment Plan
At Therapointe Physiotherapy dry needling is never used in isolation. It is integrated into a broader physiotherapy program that includes:
Manual therapy
To address joint and soft tissue restrictions
Exercise rehabilitation
To restore strength and movement control
Education
To help you understand your pain and prevent recurrence
This holistic approach ensures that short-term relief from needling translates into long-term functional improvement.
At Therapointe Physiotherapy
Our goal is to relieve pain, restore movement, and help you perform at your best. Through the precise application of dry needling and active rehabilitation, we aim to get you moving freely and confidently again.
