Dry needling is a great form of treatment that can help to relieve acute and chronic pain. Needling can help to promote muscle relaxation caused by musculoskeletal dysfunction through relaxing active trigger points – these are taut bands of tissue or “knots” that develop within a muscle. Trigger points may develop in a muscle following an injury or over time as a result of stresses such as poor posture or repetitive actions.

It also works on the neural system through the release of endorphins and promotes healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Dry needling involves inserting a solid filament needle into or onto the painful part of the muscle (the trigger point).  The needle can be gently manipulated, which may produce a brief slightly painful “twitch response.” However, overall most patients report the treatment to be quite relaxing.

The evidence for dry needling has increased substantially over recent years providing support in the treatment of acute and chronic back pain, sciatic pain, neck pain, tension type headaches, muscular tightness, knee osteoarthritis, lateral elbow pain and various shoulder conditions.