Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment technique whereby a sterile, single-use, fine filament needle (acupuncture needle) is inserted into the muscle to assist with decreasing pain and improving function through the release of myofascial trigger points (knots in the muscle).

It releases muscle tension by causing tight muscles to twitch or cramp. Easing the trigger points can improve flexibility and increase range of movement.

Do the needles hurt when going in?

Generally, No! The acupuncture needles are extremely sharp and thin, so 99.9% of the time you barely feel the needles going in.
As the needle approaches a trigger point, you will experience a mild ache in the area whilst the needle does its job releasing muscle spasm. On occasions you will also get what’s known as a ‘twitch response’. This is completely involuntary and feel strange more than anything else. 
The size of needle depends on the depth of the trigger point within the tissue, and the size of the muscle area being treated. A smaller area such as the neck will require a small needle, as opposed to the quads, hamstrings and glutes where a larger needle will be used. Relaxing trigger points can release long held pain.
It is not unusual to feel some soreness following your dry needling treatment, but this will subside within 24/48 hours.