Dry needling is a gentle, evidence-informed technique used in myotherapy to help calm pain, release muscle tension, and restore ease of movement.

In simple terms, very fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed into specific areas of muscle called myofascial trigger points. These areas often feel like tight knots, bands, or tender spots. Over time, they can contribute to pain, stiffness, altered movement, and ongoing discomfort.

Importantly, despite how it sounds, dry needling is not harsh or aggressive. The word “dry” simply means no medication or substance is injected. Instead, it’s a precise, targeted way of helping both the muscles and the nervous system soften, settle, and reset.

Why Might Someone Choose Dry Needling?

Sometimes, hands-on treatment alone isn’t quite enough — especially when muscles have been holding tension for a long time or pain keeps returning.

In these situations, dry needling may help if you:

• Feel persistent or deep muscle tightness
• Experience pain that flares, lingers, or feels unpredictable
• Notice stiffness, guarding, or restricted movement
• Feel muscle fatigue, weakness, or poor activation
• Are living with ongoing or chronic pain patterns

As a result, dry needling is often used alongside myotherapy, massage, gentle movement, and education. Together, these approaches support longer-lasting change — rather than short-term relief alone.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Over time, many clients notice:

• Reduced muscle tension and holding patterns
• Less pain and sensitivity
• Improved range of motion and ease of movement
• Better muscle activation and body awareness
• A calmer, more settled nervous system
• Faster recovery from injury or overload

While some people feel changes immediately, others notice improvement gradually over the following 24–72 hours as the body integrates the treatment.

Conditions Dry Needling Can Support

Because muscles play a role in many pain patterns, dry needling may help with a wide range of muscle- and movement-related concerns, including:

• Neck and shoulder pain
• Headaches and muscle-related migraines
• Jaw tension and TMJ dysfunction
• Lower back pain
• Hip, glute, and pelvic tension
• Sciatic-type pain where muscles are contributing
• Sports injuries and muscle strains
• Tendon-related pain (such as tennis elbow or Achilles discomfort)
• Postural tension from prolonged sitting or repetitive work
• Persistent pain patterns involving muscle guarding

Ultimately, each treatment is tailored to you, your body, and what it’s communicating on the day.

Who is Dry Needling Ideal For?

In many cases, dry needling may be a great option if you:

• Feel like your muscles are always “on” or bracing
• Experience recurring or long-standing pain
• Want more comfort, flexibility, or freedom of movement
• Are active, train regularly, or play sport
• Spend long hours sitting or doing repetitive tasks
• Are navigating chronic pain and want a gentle, respectful approach

Above all, your comfort, consent, and sense of safety are always prioritised.

How I Use Dry Needling in My Practice

In my practice, dry needling is never a one-size-fits-all technique.

Instead, I use it thoughtfully and sparingly, as part of a bigger picture approach that considers your nervous system, pain history, lifestyle, and goals.

For clients living with persistent or chronic pain, dry needling is used gently and intentionally — not to force change, but rather to:

• Reduce protective muscle guarding
• Improve healthy sensation and awareness
• Support the nervous system to feel safer in movement
• Create space for longer-term change

Before anything happens, we always discuss the why, the where, and the how. Throughout the session, you remain in control, and treatment is adjusted based on your body’s response.

What Dry Needling Is Not

To avoid confusion, it’s helpful to know that dry needling:

• ❌ Is not acupuncture
• ❌ Is not based on Chinese medicine or energy meridians
• ❌ Does not involve medication or injections
• ❌ Is not about pushing through pain

For this reason, treatment should never feel aggressive or overwhelming.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

Although both therapies use fine needles, they are based on different philosophies.

Dry Needling

• Based on Western anatomy and modern pain science
• Targets muscles, trigger points, and connective tissue
• Therefore focuses on pain relief, movement, and function
• Used by myotherapists and physiotherapists

Acupuncture

• Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• Works with energy pathways (meridians) and organ systems
• As a result, focuses on restoring balance and flow of Qi (energy)
• Performed by qualified acupuncturists

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dry needling hurt?

Generally, most people feel very little. However, you may notice a brief ache, pressure, or muscle twitch. This response is normal and usually short-lived.

Will I be sore afterwards?

Sometimes, mild soreness can occur for 24–48 hours, similar to post-exercise tenderness. In most cases, gentle movement, hydration, and rest can help.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies from person to person. While some notice change after one session, others benefit from a short series — especially when pain has been present for a long time.

Is dry needling safe?

Yes. When performed by a trained and qualified myotherapist using sterile, single-use needles, dry needling is considered very safe. Additionally, your health history and comfort are always taken into account.

Can I choose not to have dry needling?

Absolutely. Dry needling is always optional. If it doesn’t feel right for you, there are many other ways to support pain relief and movement.

Is dry needling suitable for chronic pain?

It can be, when used gently and thoughtfully. In these cases, the focus is on safety, pacing, and supporting the nervous system — never forcing change.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

If you’re curious about whether dry needling could support your pain, movement, or recovery goals, we can talk it through during your appointment and decide together.

Ultimately, it’s about what feels right for your body.

Important Information

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique and is not a substitute for medical care. If you have underlying medical conditions, are pregnant, or have concerns about suitability, this will always be discussed thoroughly before treatment.