Target Muscle-Related Pain. Improve Movement. Support Recovery.

Dry needling is a physiotherapy treatment technique that uses fine, sterile needles to target selected muscles and other tissues as part of an individualized rehabilitation plan. It may be used to address certain musculoskeletal pain and movement-related problems and is often combined with therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and other physiotherapy approaches.

At Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness, dry needling is not used as a standalone solution. Your physiotherapist first assesses your symptoms, movement, strength and functional limitations to determine whether dry needling may be an appropriate component of your treatment.

The technique is commonly used as an adjunct to physiotherapy for selected musculoskeletal conditions, including some presentations involving muscle pain, myofascial pain and movement restrictions. The appropriate use of dry needling depends on the individual’s condition, clinical findings and treatment goals.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves inserting a thin, sterile needle through the skin into targeted tissue without injecting medication.

During physiotherapy, it may be used to target areas of muscular or myofascial dysfunction identified during the assessment. The goal is to complement the broader rehabilitation process rather than replace active treatment.

Dry needling is distinct from treatments that inject medication or other substances. It is also different from traditional acupuncture, although both use fine needles.

The specific technique used depends on the physiotherapist’s training, the condition being treated and the individual’s presentation.

What Can Dry Needling Help With?

Dry needling may be considered as part of physiotherapy for selected musculoskeletal problems, including:

• Muscle-related pain
• Myofascial pain
• Muscle tightness
• Certain trigger-point-related symptoms
• Movement restrictions associated with muscular dysfunction
• Some neck and shoulder pain presentations
• Certain sports and exercise-related muscle problems
• Musculoskeletal pain where an appropriate rehabilitation plan has been established

Dry needling is not appropriate for every condition or every patient. Your physiotherapist determines whether it is suitable based on your assessment and individual circumstances.

Research and clinical practice continue to examine the role of dry needling across different musculoskeletal conditions, so treatment should be based on the best available evidence, clinical judgment and patient preferences.