Dry needling is a contemporary treatment technique informed by traditional acupuncture principles. It involves the use of fine, sterile filiform needles to target specific areas of muscle tension. Dry needling is primarily used to treat myofascial trigger points. These are highly sensitive, localised areas within tight bands of muscle that can reproduce familiar pain when pressure is applied.

Research into both acupuncture and dry needling demonstrates that needle insertion provides sensory stimulation capable of triggering beneficial physiological responses. These include pain-modulating (analgesic) effects and autonomic nervous system responses, which can assist in reducing pain and improving muscle function.

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the management of migraines and chronic tension-type headaches, with evidence supporting its inclusion in physiotherapy treatment plans for these conditions. It is also a valuable adjunct therapy for chronic neck pain.

At Everybody Physiotherapy, dry needling may be used to help manage pain associated with:

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Plantar fasciitis

• Gluteal tendinopathy

• Rotator cuff–related shoulder pain

Dry needling is always combined with hands-on manual therapy and targeted exercise, ensuring a comprehensive approach aimed at restoring optimal movement and function. Several physiotherapists at Everybody Physiotherapy are trained to incorporate dry needling into their treatment sessions.

Your physiotherapist will begin by carefully palpating the muscle to identify active trigger points. All needles used are sterile, individually packaged, and single-use.

Dry needling often provides sufficient pain relief to allow more effective soft tissue treatment, active stretching, and therapeutic exercise – key components of a successful physiotherapy program focused on long-term recovery and functional improvement.