If you’ve been struggling with tight muscles, recurring pain or an injury that just won’t seem to improve, you may have heard about dry needling.
It sounds a little intimidating. Does it hurt? Is it the same as acupuncture? Is it actually safe?
These are some of the questions we get asked most often at Alleviate Holistics, so we thought we’d answer them all in one place.
Many people assume dry needling is a form of acupuncture, but although they both use similar needles, they are actually very different treatments.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment used by specially trained healthcare professionals to help reduce muscle pain, relieve tightness and improve movement.
It involves inserting a very fine, sterile needle into a tight band of muscle known as a trigger point.
Unlike an injection, nothing is injected into the body, hence the name dry needling.
The aim is to encourage the muscle to relax, reduce pain and help restore normal movement so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Where Did Dry Needling Originate?
(A Mini History Lesson…)
Dry needling was developed from Western medical research into muscle pain and trigger points during the 20th century.
In the 1940s, Dr Janet Travell, often referred to as the “mother of trigger point therapy”, began researching how trigger points contribute to muscular pain. Her work laid the foundations for what later became modern dry needling techniques.
Today, dry needling is commonly used by osteopaths, physiotherapists, sports therapists and other healthcare professionals as part of evidence-informed treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
What Are Trigger Points?
Have you ever found a knot in your shoulder that feels sore when you press it?
That’s often a trigger point.
Trigger points are small, tight areas within a muscle that don’t relax properly.
They can:
- Cause local pain
- Refer pain elsewhere in the body
- Reduce flexibility
- Restrict movement
- Make muscles feel weak or tired
For example, a trigger point in your shoulder may actually give you pain travelling into your arm or even cause a headache.
Okay…So How Does It Work Exactly?
Although research is still ongoing, we know dry needling can have several positive effects on muscles and the nervous system.
When the needle is placed into a trigger point, it may:
- Encourage the tight muscle fibres to relax
- Produce a brief muscle twitch (known as a local twitch response)
- Reduce muscle tension
- Improve movement
- Help reduce pain sensitivity
- Stimulate the body’s natural healing processes
Because muscles work together as part of a chain, treating one tight muscle can often improve movement elsewhere too.
At Alleviate Holistics, dry needling is never used in isolation. We combine it with osteopathy, hands-on treatment, rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle advice to treat the underlying cause of your symptoms, not just the painful area.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling may be beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Upper and lower back pain
- Tension headaches
- Sports injuries
- Muscle strains
- Muscle spasms
- Tendon-related pain
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Sciatica symptoms caused by muscular tightness
- Hip pain
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction)
As with any treatment, suitability depends on your individual assessment.
Does It HURT?!
This is probably the number one question we get asked!
The honest answer is…it depends.
The needles used are extremely fine, much thinner than those used for injections or blood tests.
Many people barely feel the needle entering the skin.
When the needle reaches a trigger point, you may experience:
- A brief muscle twitch
- A dull ache
- A cramping sensation
- A feeling of pressure
This usually lasts only a few seconds before settling.
Most patients describe it as “strange rather than painful”, and many feel looser almost immediately afterwards.
Will I Be Sore After?
It’s completely normal to experience some mild soreness after treatment.
Many people compare it to the feeling after a tough gym session.
This usually lasts between 24 and 48 hours and settles naturally.
Keeping hydrated, staying gently active and following any advice given by your practitioner can help minimise soreness.
Is It Safe?
Yes…when performed by a properly trained healthcare professional.
At Alleviate Holistics we use:
- Single-use sterile needles
- Strict hygiene procedures
- Thorough assessments before treatment
- Evidence-informed techniques
Your practitioner will always explain the treatment, answer any questions and obtain your consent before beginning.
Who Shouldn’t Have Dry Needling?
Although dry needling is suitable for many people, it may not be appropriate if you:
- Have a needle phobia
- Have certain bleeding disorders
- Take some blood-thinning medication
- Have an active infection in the treatment area
- Have certain medical conditions where needling is not advised
We’ll always discuss your medical history during your appointment to make sure the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Is Dry Needling The Same As Acupuncture?
No.
Although both treatments use similar sterile needles, their philosophy and purpose are very different.
Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore the body’s energy flow (Qi) through acupuncture points.
Dry needling is based on Western anatomy, physiology and modern pain science. It specifically targets muscles and trigger points to help improve movement and reduce pain.
The tool may be the same, but the assessment, reasoning and treatment approach are very different.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends entirely on:
- Your condition
- How long you’ve had the problem
- Your general health
- Your lifestyle
- Your recovery goals
Some people notice improvement after just one treatment, while others with long-standing or complex conditions may benefit from a course of treatment.
We’ll always discuss a personalised treatment plan following your assessment.
What Should I Do After My Dry Needling Session?
To get the most from your treatment we usually recommend:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Keeping gently active
- Avoiding intense exercise for the rest of the day if possible
- Completing any exercises prescribed by your practitioner
The combination of treatment and rehabilitation is often what provides the best long-term results.
Frequently Asked Dry Needling Questions…
Can dry needling help with back pain?
Yes. Dry needling may help relieve muscle tightness contributing to back pain and is often combined with osteopathic treatment and exercise.
Can dry needling help headaches?
If your headaches are caused by tension or trigger points in the neck and shoulders, dry needling may help reduce muscular tension alongside osteopathic treatment.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes, when performed by a suitably trained healthcare professional following appropriate safety procedures.
Can I exercise afterwards?
Gentle movement is encouraged, but it’s usually best to avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
Is one session enough?
Some people feel better after one treatment, while others require several sessions depending on the nature of their condition.
How Can Alleviate Holistics Help?
At Alleviate Holistics, we don’t just treat where it hurts, we look at why it hurts.
Dry needling is one of the many tools we use alongside osteopathy, massage therapy, rehabilitation exercises and movement advice to help reduce pain, improve movement and support your recovery.
Every treatment is tailored to you and your goals, whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, struggling with persistent muscle tightness or simply want to move more comfortably again.
If you’re unsure whether dry needling is right for you, we’d be happy to discuss your symptoms and answer any questions.
BOOK YOUR TREATMENT TODAY!
Book an appointment today and find out whether dry needling could be the missing piece in your recovery.
References
- Dommerholt J. Dry Needling – Peripheral and Central Considerations. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2011;19(4):223–227. Available on PubMed Central.
- Travell JG, Simons DG, Simons LS. Travell & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. 2nd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999. Reference details on Google Books.
- Cagnie B, Dewitte V, Barbe T, Timmermans F, Delrue N, Meeus M. Physiologic effects of dry needling. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2013;17(8):348. Text available via Springer Link.
- Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2017;47(3):133–149. Article hosted on JOSPT.
- Boyles RE, Fowler R, Ramsey D, Burrows E. Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Multiple Body Regions: A Systematic Review. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2015;23(5):276–293. Indexed on PubMed.
- Brady SRE, McEvoy J, Dommerholt J, Doody CM. Adverse Events Following Trigger Point Dry Needling: A Prospective Survey of Chartered Physiotherapists. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2014;22(3):134–140. Indexed on PubMed Central.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (CG150). Direct guidance via NICE Guidance CG150.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Low Back Pain and Sciatica in Over 16s: Assessment and Management (NG59). Direct guidance via NICE Guidance NG59.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Chronic Pain (Primary and Secondary) in Over 16s: Assessment of Chronic Pain and Management of Chronic Primary Pain (NG193). Direct guidance via NICE Guidance NG193.
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dry Needling in Physical Therapy Clinical Practice – Professional Resources. Main organizational documents via the APTA Resource Portal.
- Myopain Seminars. Scientific resources on myofascial trigger points and dry needling, including educational material by recognised researchers in trigger point therapy. Whitepapers published via Myopain Seminars Research.
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture. Sourced via the official World Health Organization Institutional Repository.
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