Dry Needling In Physiotherapy

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique where a fine, sterile needle is inserted into muscle tissue, fascia, or connective tissue, most commonly to target myofascial trigger point, tight, irritable bands within a muscle that may contribute to pain, stiffness, or limited movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.

The term "dry" refers to the fact that no medication is injected through the needle.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

The proposed mechanisms behind dry needling include:

• Mechanical disruption of dysfunctional muscle fibres

• Neuromodulation of pain pathways via the central nervous system

• Local twitch response (a brief contraction), which may lead to relaxation of the muscle

• Increased blood flow and oxygenation to the area

• Reduction of chemical irritants in trigger points

When used appropriately, dry needling can complement a broader physiotherapy treatment plan that includes exercise, manual therapy, and education.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Dry needling has been the subject of growing research interest over the past decade. Here’s a summary of the current evidence base:

1. Pain Reduction

Several randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown that dry needling can be effective in reducing pain, particularly in the short term, for conditions such as:

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Lower back pain

• Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)

• Myofascial pain syndrome

A 2017 systematic review by Gattie et al. concluded that dry needling is effective at reducing pain immediately after treatment and at short-term follow-up (up to 4 weeks) for musculoskeletal conditions.

2. Improved Range of Motion

Dry needling has also been shown to improve range of motion when used to address muscular restrictions and trigger points—particularly in the shoulder, cervical spine, and lower limb.

3. Performance & Function

Evidence is emerging that dry needling may improve function and reduce disability in certain conditions. For example, studies in patients with patellofemoral pain and chronic low back pain show functional improvements when dry needling is used in conjunction with exercise-based therapy.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

Dry needling may be a suitable option for individuals experiencing:

• Muscle tightness or trigger points

• Chronic or recurrent musculoskeletal pain

• Restricted movement due to muscular dysfunction

• Sports-related overuse injuries

Your physiotherapist will assess your condition, medical history, and treatment goals to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for you.

Our experienced team at Urban Physiotherapy North Sydney can provide Dry Needling Treatment to help restore your mobility, reduce pain, and get you back to normal life as soon as possible. Book your appointment today - https://urbanphysiotherapy.au2.cliniko.com/bookingsbusiness_id=423637795941128200#service