Dry needling
Dry needling uses fine, sterile needles to release stubborn trigger points — the tight knots in muscle that drive chronic and referred pain.
Dry needling uses fine, sterile needles to release stubborn trigger points — the tight knots in muscle that drive chronic and referred pain. It can quickly reduce muscle tension and pain when other approaches have stalled, and is used alongside exercise.
What it is
Dry needling involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into trigger points — the tight, tender knots in muscle that can cause both local and referred pain. It is a precise way to release tension that hands-on techniques sometimes cannot fully reach.
It is often the key that unlocks progress in stubborn, long-standing muscle pain. We use it as part of a plan, following the release with movement and strengthening so the muscle stays relaxed.
What to expect
- Fine, sterile needlesMuch thinner than injection needles, used once and safely disposed of.
- A brief twitch responseYou may feel a quick cramp or twitch as the trigger point releases.
- Followed by movementWe pair the release with stretching and strengthening for lasting effect.
Frequently asked questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. They use similar needles but come from different traditions. Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and targets specific muscular trigger points identified in your physiotherapy assessment.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel little from the needle itself. You may feel a brief cramp or twitch as a trigger point releases, and some muscle soreness for a day afterwards is normal.
Is dry needling safe?
In trained physiotherapist hands it is very safe. We use single-use sterile needles and screen for any reasons it would not be suitable for you before treatment.
Let's find out what's really going on.
Book an assessment and we'll map a clear plan to get you moving freely again — at the clinic in Domlur or at home across South-East Bengaluru.