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Dry Needling

Dry needling uses fine, sterile needles to target tight, irritable bands of muscle (trigger points). Used alongside your wider physiotherapy treatment, it can help release muscle tension, reduce pain and improve movement as part of your overall recovery plan.

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Physiotherapist placing fine dry needles into the shoulder muscles

What we help with

Common conditions and situations we see with dry needling.

  • Muscle tightness and trigger points
  • Neck, shoulder and upper-back tension
  • Persistent muscular pain
  • Movement restrictions from tight muscles
  • Tension-related headaches (muscular)

What to expect

A clear, supportive process from your first visit through to recovery.

01

Assessment first

We check whether dry needling is appropriate for you and explain what it involves before starting.

02

The treatment

Fine needles are inserted briefly into specific muscle points. You may feel a brief twitch or ache — this is normal.

03

Combined care

Needling is used alongside hands-on treatment and exercise, not on its own, for the best results.

Our approach

Dry needling is one tool within a complete treatment plan. We use it selectively, where it's likely to help, combined with manual therapy and exercise so you get lasting change rather than short-term relief.

Dry Needling — frequently asked questions

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. Although both use fine needles, dry needling is based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy and targets specific muscle trigger points, whereas traditional acupuncture is based on a different framework.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel only a small prick, sometimes followed by a brief muscle twitch or dull ache. Any soreness afterwards usually settles within a day or so.
Is dry needling safe?
When performed by a trained physiotherapist using sterile, single-use needles, dry needling is considered safe. We'll always check it's suitable for you first.

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