Dry needling uses thin acupuncture needles that are inserted directly into muscle trigger points. A trigger point (also known as a knot) is a taut band of skeletal muscle within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch. Touching a trigger point may cause pain to other parts of the body. The insertion of the needle can cause the muscle to involuntarily spasm and as a result, release most or all of the tension.

How is it different from Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used for a variety of medical conditions. The primary philosophy is that a body can be healed when chi, or healing energy, is released.

Dry needling is designed to relieve tightness and pain in muscles. Practitioners believe that inserting a needle directly into a knot or pressure point will release tension in the surrounding muscle.

Who can benefit from it?

Dry needling can most benefit people who have had long term tightness that after a regular massage or physio still remains. It is most beneficial for people who generally explain the feeling as having “stuck” or “stiff” muscles.

Dry needling is also good for your monthly maintenance massage. Our experienced Remedial Massage Therapist can help alleviate sore and stiff muscles which occur due to repetitive tasks like sitting down for long durations, heavy lifting or bending.