What is dry needling?

Dry needling is commonly used by physiotherapists to help reduce tension in muscles and soft tissues. A trained therapist inserts fine needles into specific sites on the body, depending on the location of pain or dysfunction. The term dry needling simply means there is nothing being injected by the needle. In dry needling, the site of insertion is generally close to the problem area and has a direct effect on the target structure(s). Dry needling differs from acupuncture, in which needles are inserted into specific points on the body that correlate to meridians, or lines of energy flow through the body. In Chinese medicine this energy flow is known as chi; in Japanese culture it is called ki (as in Reiki).

Dry needling has been extensively studied and there are many scientific papers supporting it’s efficacy. It can be an excellent adjunct to manual and exercise therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Your physio may insert needles into muscle, connective tissue (like fascia) or tendon fibres, depending on the desired effect. The aim might be to promote healing in a tissue, release trigger points, or stimulate a nerve pathway, for example.

Ask your physio today about how dry needling might of benefit to you.