Dry Needling

Dry needling is a specialised physiotherapy technique that uses fine, sterile needles to treat muscular trigger points and muscle tension. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western medical science and focuses on muscle physiology, trigger point therapy, and pain relief.

Our skilled Physiotherapists insert thin needles directly into tight muscle bands or trigger points to release tension, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function. The term "dry" refers to the fact that no medication or substance is injected—the therapeutic effect comes from the needle itself.

During your treatment, one of our specially trained Physiotherapists will carefully insert sterile, single-use needles into the affected muscles. The needles are extremely fine—much thinner than injection needles—and are typically left in place for a brief period.

You may experience a "twitch response" when the needle contacts a trigger point. This is a positive sign that the treatment is working, as it indicates the muscle is releasing tension. The twitch response helps reset the muscle's neuromuscular function, improving blood flow and promoting healing.

Most patients describe the sensation as a brief, dull ache or tingling. Some areas may feel more sensitive than others, but the discomfort is typically minimal and short-lived.

Safety First: All our physiotherapists who perform dry needling have completed specialiSed training and certification. We use only sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure your safety.

Dry needling can be highly effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Muscular tightness and tension
Chronic pain conditions
Tension headaches and migraines
Sports injuries
Workplace and repetitive strain injuries
Muscle imbalances
Tendonitis and tendinopathy
Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder
Neck pain and stiffness
Lower back pain
Sciatica
Tennis and golfer's elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Hip and gluteal pain
Long-standing or persistent injuries that haven't responded to other treatments

Whether you're an athlete looking to optimise performance, someone managing chronic pain, or recovering from an acute injury, dry needling may be an effective addition to your treatment plan.

Our patients often experience significant benefits from dry needling, including:

- Rapid pain relief: Many patients notice reduced pain within 24 hours of treatment
- Improved mobility and range of motion: Release of tight muscles allows for better movement
- Reduced muscle tension and spasm: - - Direct treatment of trigger points relieves chronic tightness
- Decreased inflammation: Improved blood flow helps reduce inflammatory responses
- Accelerated healing: Enhanced circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues
- Restored muscle activation patterns: "Reboots" muscles that aren't firing properly
- Improved sports performance: Better muscle function leads to enhanced athletic ability
- Reduced reliance on pain medication: Natural pain relief without pharmaceuticals
- Results can vary depending on the condition being treated, how long you've had the problem, and your overall health. Some patients experience immediate relief, while others may need several sessions to achieve optimal results.

While dry needling can be highly effective on its own, we've found it works best when integrated into a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan. At Auckland Physiotherapy, we combine dry needling with other proven techniques, including:

- Manual therapy and joint mobilization
- Therapeutic exercise and strengthening programs
- Stretching and flexibility work
- Sports massage and soft tissue techniques
- Movement retraining and biomechanical correction
- Clinical Pilates for core stability and rehabilitation
- Education on posture, ergonomics, and self-management strategies

This holistic approach ensures we're not just treating your symptoms, but addressing the underlying causes of your pain and dysfunction. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that may include dry needling alongside other appropriate interventions.

If you're struggling with muscle pain, tension, or restricted movement, dry needling could be the solution you've been looking for. Our experienced team at Auckland Physiotherapy is here to help you achieve lasting relief and get back to doing what you love.