What Is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a targeted soft tissue therapy that uses ultra-fine, sterile needles to penetrate skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points — tight, hyperirritable spots within muscles that can cause pain, stiffness, or referred symptoms.
Despite using acupuncture-style needles, dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles, not traditional Chinese meridian theory.
How It Works
When inserted into a trigger point or area of dysfunction, the needle stimulates a local twitch response — a brief, involuntary muscle contraction — which helps "reset" the muscle to its normal resting tone. This releases muscular tension, improves local circulation, and helps break the cycle of pain and dysfunction.
Additional physiological effects may include:
- Deactivation of trigger points that are causing referred or local pain
- Improved blood flow and oxygenation to damaged tissues
- Reduction in inflammation through neuromodulation of local chemical messengers
- Release of endorphins, which assist with pain relief
- Improved range of motion and flexibility
Dry needling is often used for:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tension headaches
- Back pain with muscle spasm
- Sports injuries like hamstring or calf tightness
- Postural or repetitive strain injuries (e.g. desk-related upper back tightness)
It is typically combined with other manual therapies and exercise for best results. Most patients tolerate dry needling well, and side effects are minimal — occasional mild soreness or bruising may occur.
Relevant Research or Evidence
Dry needling is increasingly supported by clinical studies as an effective intervention for managing musculoskeletal pain and improving physical function. Some key findings include:
While results can vary between individuals, dry needling is considered safe and effective when performed by qualified practitioners.
Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does dry needling hurt?
- You may feel a brief muscle twitch or slight ache when the needle hits a trigger point. This is normal and often a sign that the technique is working. Most patients tolerate it well, and discomfort usually fades quickly.
2. What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
- Though both use similar needles, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and targets muscle trigger points, while acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and targets meridian lines for energy balance.
3. Are there any after-effects?
- Some people experience mild soreness or temporary fatigue in the treated area, similar to post-exercise soreness. This typically settles within 24–48 hours.
4. Who performs dry needling at your clinic?
- At Lakeside Chiropractic, both our chiropractors and remedial massage therapists are trained in dry needling and will integrate it into your treatment plan when appropriate.
5. When is dry needling recommended instead of soft tissue therapy?
- Dry needling may be considered when muscle tension or pain is linked to myofascial trigger points — tight, sensitive bands within muscle tissue. While soft tissue therapy works well on surface-level tension, dry needling can reach deeper knots that may not respond as effectively to hands-on techniques. Your chiropractor or massage therapist will assess your condition and determine whether dry needling, soft tissue therapy, or a combination of both is most suitable for your care.
