How Does Dry Needling Work?
Muscle tightness, persistent pain, or limited movement can affect everything from how you exercise to how you feel at work. One treatment approach gaining popularity for addressing these issues is dry needling—a technique used to release muscle tension and improve mobility.
But how does dry needling actually work? And why are so many people seeing results from it?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists and other qualified health professionals to target muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting a thin, sterile needle directly into tight muscle bands or “trigger points”—areas where muscle fibres have contracted and formed knots.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomy and science. It focuses on releasing muscle tension, improving blood flow, and reducing pain.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
The science behind dry needling is all about restoring normal muscle function and relieving neuromuscular dysfunction. Here's how it works step by step:
1. Targeting Trigger Points
When a muscle becomes overworked or injured, it can form a trigger point—a small, painful knot that restricts movement and causes referred pain. Dry needling targets these points directly.
2. Needle Insertion
A very fine needle is inserted into the affected muscle. This can cause a local twitch response—a quick involuntary contraction. This twitch is actually a good sign: it means the muscle is responding and starting to release.
3. Release of Muscle Tension
The needle stimulates the muscle to relax, helping to break the pain cycle. This reduces tension and allows the muscle to return to its normal length and function.
4. Improved Blood Flow and Healing
Needling can increase circulation to the area, bringing in fresh oxygen and nutrients while flushing out inflammatory chemicals. This supports the healing process and reduces pain over time.
5. Neurological Reset
Dry needling also affects the nervous system. It helps to reset pain signals and decrease the sensitivity of the nerves in the area, which can lead to long-term relief.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is used to treat a range of musculoskeletal issues, including:
Muscle tightness and pain
Sports injuries
Neck and back pain
Tension headaches
Tendinopathies
Joint restrictions
Postural imbalances
It’s often used alongside other treatments such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, and rehabilitation programs for a well-rounded approach.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
You may feel a slight pinch during needle insertion and a twitch response in the muscle, but most clients report that the discomfort is brief and tolerable.
Some soreness can occur after treatment—similar to post-exercise soreness—but this usually settles within 24 to 48 hours.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
This depends on the severity and nature of your condition. Some clients feel relief after just one session, while others may require a series of treatments alongside a structured rehab program for long-term results.
Why Choose Elite Health and Performance?
At Elite, dry needling isn’t a stand-alone service—it’s part of a bigger picture. Our experienced team of physiotherapists and chiropractors and performance specialists combine dry needling with advanced rehab, strength training, and recovery strategies to help you get back to doing what you love—stronger, faster, and pain-free.
Ready to Feel the Difference?
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply want to move better, dry needling could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Book your appointment with Elite Health and Performance today and let our team help you move, perform, and live at your best.
