What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique involving the use of thin, solid needles placed into specific points of the body, to treat musculoskeletal pain and soft tissue dysfunction. The needle stimulates the muscle fibres and can cause a muscle twitch which helps to release muscle tension, reduce inflammation by improving blood flow to that area, and reduce muscle pain.
Common conditions treated with dry needling:
Sporting injuries
Neck and shoulder pain
Back and hip pain
Muscle strains
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Is dry needling safe?
When performed by an experienced and licensed healthcare professional, dry needling is generally considered safe. However, there remains a small risk of side effects including:
Bruising at needle insertion site
Soreness or tenderness in the muscle/tendon following treatment (typically subsides within a few hours to a day)
Dizziness or light headedness during or after treatment
Needle-related injuries (rare, only when performed by an untrained and inexperienced healthcare professional)
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Despite both dry needling and acupuncture involving the insertion of needles, they are based on different principles:
Dry Needling
Focus: Targets myofascial trigger points in muscles and connective tissue
Benefit: Relieves muscular pain, improves mobility and muscle function, increases blood flow
Acupuncture
Focus: Stimulates points along the body’s meridian to balance the flow of Qi (life force or energy)
Benefit: Improves overall wellness, can assist in treating emotional, mental, and internal health conditions such as:
General wellness and preventative care
Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, fibromyalgia)
Stress, anxiety, and depression
Insomnia
Hormonal imbalances (e.g., menstrual irregularities, menopause symptoms)
Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, bloating)
Respiratory issues (e.g., asthma, sinus problems)