Dry needling is a specialized treatment technique used by trained physiotherapists to relieve muscle pain, stiffness, and tightness. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points (tight, sensitive knots in the muscle) to release tension, stimulate natural healing, and improve movement. These needles help reset muscle function, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood flow to the affected area.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in modern Western medicine and focuses on targeting musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunction. It’s commonly used to treat both acute and chronic conditions, especially when manual therapy or exercise alone is not enough to release deep muscle tension.