Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement issues. It involves inserting thin, solid filiform needles (similar to acupuncture needles) into specific points in the muscle, known as trigger points, without injecting any substance—hence the term “dry.”

The goal of dry needling is to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve mobility by targeting these trigger points, which are tight knots or bands in the muscle that can cause discomfort or refer pain to other areas. When the needle is inserted, it can stimulate the muscle, prompting a localized twitch response, which helps release tension and promote blood flow to the area, aiding in healing.

It’s often used for conditions like chronic back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, tendonitis, Fibromyalgia or sports injuries. While it shares some similarities with acupuncture, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on musculoskeletal and nervous system function, rather than traditional Chinese medicine principles like energy flow or meridians.