By Olivia Cockhill
Dry needling is a treatment technique I’ve trained in as part of my sports therapy toolkit. I chose to train in it because I wanted another option for helping clients who present with persistent muscle tension, painful trigger points or areas that aren’t responding as well as we’d like to hands-on treatment and exercise alone.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling involves using very fine, sterile needles in specific muscles or areas of soft tissue. The aim is to help with pain or movement problems that may be linked to those areas.
It can sometimes produce a small twitch or local response in the muscle. While this can feel a little strange, the needle itself is very fine and the treatment is usually quite quick.
How is it different from acupuncture?
Although both use fine needles, the approach and reasoning behind them are different.
Traditional acupuncture originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on concepts such as Qi and meridians.
Dry needling, as I use it within sports therapy, is based on a Western approach to muscles and movement. I use my knowledge of anatomy, muscle function, your symptoms and what I find during your assessment to decide whether it might be appropriate.
So, while the equipment may look similar, the assessment and reasons for using the treatment are different.
When might I use it?
There are lots of situations where dry needling may be useful. For example, I might consider it alongside treatment for:
- Persistent muscle tightness
- Tender spots in a muscle (sometimes called trigger points)
- Certain neck and shoulder problems
- Calf or hamstring issues
- Some sports-related muscle pain
- Areas that remain sensitive or restricted despite other treatment
How does it fit into a sports therapy session?
If I think dry needling could be useful, I’ll normally combine it with other parts of your treatment rather than using it in isolation.
For example, we might use dry needling to help with an area that feels particularly tight or sensitive, followed by some hands-on work and specific movement exercises. We can then use strengthening or rehabilitation exercises to address the problem and gradually build your capacity back up.
The idea is that it may help you move more comfortably and get on with your rehabilitation.
What does it feel like?
If you’re nervous about needles, you’re definitely not alone!
You may feel a small initial prick, followed by a dull ache, pressure or brief twitch in the muscle. The treatment itself is usually relatively quick, and I’ll talk you through what I’m doing throughout. You can ask me to stop at any point.
Afterwards, you may feel some temporary muscle soreness, a little like you’ve had a workout. This usually settles fairly quickly.
And perhaps most importantly: you don’t have to have dry needling.
I’ll check whether dry needling is suitable for you, including any relevant health conditions or medicines, and explain the possible benefits and risks before we start. I’ll make sure you’re happy to go ahead, and you can change your mind at any point.
There are always other treatment options available.
For me, dry needling is simply another tool in the toolbox. When it’s appropriate, it may help with pain or movement and make it easier to get on with the exercises and rehabilitation that help you get back to doing what you enjoy.
If you’re wondering whether dry needling could help you, I’d be happy to see you at Kinetic Clinics. I’ll assess what’s going on, talk through your options and we can decide together whether dry needling is right for you.