Understanding Dry Needling

Understanding Dry Needling: A Treatment We Use at EBR Physio

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique we use at EBR Physio to help relieve muscle pain and tension. This treatment involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific trigger points in the muscles. These trigger points are tight knots or bands that can cause pain, discomfort, or restricted movement. The goal is to release this tension, allowing the muscle to relax and function more effectively.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

The effectiveness of dry needling lies in how it interacts with the muscles, nerves, and blood flow. Here’s a deeper dive into how it works:

• Targeting Trigger Points: Our muscles can develop small knots or "trigger points," which are sensitive areas that cause pain or tightness. When a needle is inserted into one of these points, it stimulates the muscle fibres, causing them to contract and then relax. This helps reset the muscle's activity, relieving tension and pain.
• Disrupting Pain Signals: The insertion of the needle stimulates the nerve pathways, which can interrupt the pain signals sent to the brain. As a result, your body’s perception of pain from that muscle or area is reduced.
• Improving Blood Flow and Healing: The needle insertion encourages increased blood flow to the targeted area, which helps deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to the muscle tissue, promoting faster healing and reducing inflammation.
• Triggering the Body’s Natural Pain Relief: Dry needling can prompt the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, further contributing to pain relief and relaxation.

The History and Evolution of Dry Needling

Dry needling has a fascinating history that has contributed to its widespread acceptance in modern physiotherapy. It originated in the 1940s when Dr. Janet Travell, an American physician, began using injections to treat trigger points in muscles. She discovered that the relief her patients experienced was often due to the mechanical action of the needle itself, rather than the substances being injected. This led to the concept of "dry" needling – using needles without injecting any substances.

Over the decades, dry needling evolved as physiotherapists and healthcare professionals recognised its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal pain. It has since become an evidence-based treatment method used worldwide and is highly regarded for its ability to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance recovery. Today, dry needling is a staple in many physiotherapy clinics, including EBR Physio, where we incorporate it as part of a holistic approach to treatment.

What Can Dry Needling Treat?

Dry needling is versatile and can be used to treat various conditions, including:

• Neck and back pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Shoulder pain (e.g., rotator cuff issues)
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Hip and gluteal pain
• Knee pain (e.g., patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• Calf and foot pain (e.g., plantar fasciitis)

It’s particularly effective for muscle-related pain and can be an excellent option for those experiencing chronic pain or stiffness.

Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?



While dry needling and acupuncture both use needles, they differ in their approach and purpose. Dry needling focuses on releasing muscle tension and relieving pain in specific trigger points, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, targeting meridian points to balance energy flow in the body.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Dry Needling

Despite its effectiveness, there are several misconceptions about dry needling. Let's clear up some of the most common myths:

• “Dry needling is the same as acupuncture.”
  This is one of the biggest misconceptions. While both involve inserting needles into the skin, they are fundamentally different. Acupuncture aims to balance energy or “Qi” in the body, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on treating muscular pain and dysfunction.
• “Dry needling is very painful.”
  Most people feel a mild prick as the needle enters the skin, followed by a twitch or cramping sensation when the needle hits the trigger point. Any discomfort is usually brief, and many clients describe it as a slight ache or pressure that quickly subsides.
• “It’s only for athletes.”
  Dry needling is suitable for anyone experiencing muscle pain, tension, or limited movement, not just athletes.
• “It’s not safe.”
  When performed by a trained and qualified professional, dry needling is safe. At EBR Physio, our physiotherapists are experienced in this technique, using single-use, sterile needles for every session.
• “You only need one session.”
  While some people experience immediate relief, chronic or long-standing issues may require multiple treatments for lasting results.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

Our experienced physiotherapists at EBR Physio will assess your condition and identify the trigger points causing your discomfort. Once the treatment begins, you may feel a slight prick as the needle enters the skin, followed by a twitch or mild cramp as the muscle responds. This sensation is a positive sign that the muscle is reacting to the treatment. Sessions are typically short, and most people feel relief shortly afterwards.

How Does Dry Needling Compare to Other Treatments?

Dry needling is just one of many treatment options available for muscle pain and tension. Here’s how it compares to other common therapies:

• Massage Therapy: Both aim to release muscle tension, but dry needling allows for more precise treatment, especially in deeper muscles.
• Physiotherapy Exercises: Physiotherapy exercises strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Dry needling complements these exercises by reducing pain and muscle tightness, allowing for greater ease of movement.
• Acupuncture: While acupuncture targets energy meridians, dry needling focuses on muscular trigger points, making it ideal for musculoskeletal issues.
• Chiropractic Adjustments: Chiropractic care focuses on joint alignment, while dry needling releases muscle tension contributing to joint issues.

By combining dry needling with other treatments at EBR Physio, we provide a comprehensive approach to addressing pain and mobility concerns.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

If you’re experiencing muscle pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, dry needling could be an excellent option. Our team at EBR Physio can help determine if it’s right for your needs.

Book Your Appointment Today

Ready to try dry needling? Book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at EBR Physio and take the first step towards a pain-free life. We're here to help you get back to doing what you love!