Dry Needling
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a highly effective treatment method designed to relieve muscular pain, improve movement, and accelerate recovery.
We will be using fine, sterile needles, that vary between different lengths and sizes. The technique specifically targets tight or overactive areas within the muscle, often referred to as trigger points. By stimulating these areas, dry needling can release tension, reduce discomfort, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Whether you are an athlete aiming to optimise performance, someone managing lifestyle-related muscular aches, or an individual seeking to improve overall wellbeing, dry needling offers a safe and evidence-based solution.
How does dry needling affect us?
The effectiveness of dry needling is rooted in both physiological and biomechanical principles.
From a physiological perspective, the insertion of a needle into a trigger point stimulates blood flow and encourages oxygen delivery to the affected tissues. This process helps to remove built-up waste products that may be contributing to muscular discomfort. At the same time, dry needling disrupts pain signals transmitted to the nervous system, while also encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins. This combination reduces sensitivity in the affected area and promotes tissue repair.
Biomechanically, dry needling restores the natural length and function of muscle fibres. When a muscle becomes excessively tight, its ability to contract and relax efficiently is compromised, often leading to restricted range of motion and poor movement quality. By releasing tension within the muscle, dry needling helps to normalise function, improve flexibility, and enhance overall movement patterns. This means that not only is pain reduced, but the body is also able to perform more efficiently during sport, exercise, or day-to-day activities.
A dry needling session follows a clear and structured process to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness. The treatment always begins with a thorough consultation and assessment, during which the therapist will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and activity levels. This initial step is important for identifying the underlying causes of pain or dysfunction and determining which muscles are contributing to the problem.
Following this, a tailored treatment plan is created, outlining the areas that will be targeted and explaining how the technique works. The therapist will always ensure that you feel comfortable and fully informed before beginning the procedure. During the treatment itself, fine sterile needles are gently inserted into specific trigger points within the muscle. You may experience a slight twitch response or a deep ache sensation, which is a sign that the muscle is releasing tension. This process is typically well tolerated and can bring an immediate sense of relief.
Once the needling is complete, the therapist will provide you with aftercare advice to help you maximise the benefits of the session. This often includes guidance on hydration, light stretching, and activity modification if needed. In many cases, dry needling may also be combined with other treatment approaches such as soft tissue therapy, stretching, or rehabilitation exercises, providing a more comprehensive approach to recovery and performance.
For Sport
For athletes and active individuals, dry needling can be a powerful tool for recovery and performance. By addressing muscular tightness and imbalances, it helps restore efficient muscle activation, allowing the body to move with greater strength and coordination. This not only supports better performance but also reduces the likelihood of injury, particularly in sports that demand repetitive movements or high levels of physical stress. Many athletes find that dry needling shortens recovery time following intense training or competition, enabling them to return to peak condition more quickly.
For Lifestyle
Outside of sport, many people experience muscular discomfort due to everyday factors such as posture, occupational demands, or lifestyle stresses. Dry needling provides an effective solution for these common issues by reducing muscle tightness and alleviating pain in areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders. It can also support improved posture and mobility, making everyday movements more comfortable and efficient. Whether caused by long hours at a desk, repetitive tasks, or general tension, dry needling offers a practical way to manage muscular discomfort and maintain an active lifestyle.
For Health and Wellbeing
Beyond physical performance and daily function, dry needling also contributes to broader aspects of health and wellbeing. By reducing pain and improving muscular balance, it enhances quality of life and allows individuals to remain active and independent. Many clients report a sense of relaxation and stress relief following treatment, as the release of muscular tension can have a positive impact on both body and mind. Additionally, the stimulation of natural healing processes means that dry needling not only addresses symptoms but also supports long-term recovery and resilience.