Dry needling is a modern, evidence-backed technique used by physiotherapists to relieve muscle pain, improve movement, and speed recovery. It’s not acupuncture—it’s rooted in Western anatomy and neuroscience, and it’s made to solve muscle dysfunction and pain.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves a trained clinician using thin, filiform (solid) needles to target trigger points, also known as muscle knots or taut bands. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on Eastern medicine and energy flow, dry needling focuses purely on muscular and connective tissue dysfunction.
How Does It Work?
- Targeting Trigger Points
Needles are inserted directly into trigger points, causing a local twitch response—a brief involuntary muscle contraction that helps release tension and restore normal function. - Improving Blood Flow & Healing
Needle insertion triggers vasodilation—boosting oxygen and nutrient delivery and flushing out waste. This supports tissue healing and reduces pain. - Pain Modulation
Dry needling stimulates pain-relieving mechanisms like endorphins and can “reset” over-active pain signals, offering relief. - Restoring Muscle Function
By reducing muscle tension and improving movement, dry needling helps with flexibility, range of motion, and overall function.
Proven Benefits
Many patients experience immediate, meaningful relief:
- Pain Relief – Especially for neck, back, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain from trigger points.
- Improved Flexibility & Range of Motion – Helps muscles relax and move more freely.
- Faster Recovery – Enhances healing after injury, surgery, or sport trauma.
- Non-Drug Pain Management – A needle-only approach, avoiding medication.
Systematic reviews show short-term benefits for pain relief, improved pressure-pain threshold, and better function, though long-term evidence is still emerging.
Safety and Side Effects
Dry needling is generally safe when done by trained professionals. Here’s what to expect:
- Common Side Effects: Mild soreness, bruising, light bleeding, and sometimes fatigue or lightheadedness—usually lasting a day or two.
- Rare but Serious Risks: In rare cases, complications like infection, pneumothorax (lung puncture), or injury to internal structures may occur—especially if sterile technique or training standards are low.
That’s why credentials and clinical expertise are crucial. Ensure your therapist is licensed and has specialized dry needling training.
Conditions Treated by Dry Needling
Dry needling is valuable for many musculoskeletal issues:
- Sports Injuries – Sprains, strains, tendonitis (e.g., tennis or golfer’s elbow).
- Chronic Pain Conditions – Myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, low back pain.
- Neck & Shoulder Pain, headaches, tension from posture or repetitive strain.
- Nerve-Related Issues – Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Postural Problems & Movement Dysfunction – Often combined with manual and exercise therapies.
Integrating Dry Needling with Other Therapies
Dry needling isn’t a standalone fix. It’s most effective when combined with:
- Manual Therapy – Soft tissue work, joint mobilization
- Therapeutic Exercises – Strength training, stretching, posture work
- Re-education – Neuromuscular retraining to support lasting change
A holistic approach makes results more durable and functional.
Summary: Dry Needling at a Glance
| Advantage | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Effective Short-Term | Provides rapid pain relief and functional improvements |
| Enhances Healing | Boosts blood flow and muscle recovery |
| Broad Application | Helps with a wide range of muscle, nerve, and pain issues |
| Safe Under Expert Care | Mild side effects are common; serious risks are rare when done correctly |
| Enhances Treatment | Works best when paired with manual therapy and exercis |
Why Choose Renew Physiotherapy?
At Renew Physiotherapy, we’re proud to serve Surrey, including South Surrey and Langley. Our therapists are fully licensed and have advanced training in dry needling. We combine that with a personalized, patient-first approach that includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluations – Detailed assessments to tailor dry needling to your needs.
- Safe, Precise Application – Following strict hygiene and technique standards.
- Integrated Treatment Plans – Combining dry needling with therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
- Committed to Recovery – Focused on restoring pain-free movement and quality of life.
Ready to unlock relief and move better? Renew Physiotherapy is here for you in Surrey, with convenient service for South Surrey and Langley clients. Dry needling is one of many tools we use to help you regain function, reduce pain, and feel like yourself again.
Contact us today and let Renew Physiotherapy support your path to stronger, healthier movement.