Dry Needling Physiotherapy

Overview: Everything You Need to Know

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based physiotherapy technique used to treat muscle pain, tightness, and movement restriction. It involves inserting a very thin, sterile needle into specific areas of muscle known as trigger points — tight, sensitive knots that often cause pain locally or refer pain elsewhere in the body.

Unlike injections, no medication or substance is injected. The needle itself provides the therapeutic effect by stimulating the muscle and nervous system. Dry needling is commonly used by physiotherapists in Pretoria, the Moot, and Mayville as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach that focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving function.

Where Did Dry Needling Originate?

Dry needling developed from Western medical research into myofascial trigger points, first described in detail by Dr Janet Travell and Dr David Simons in the mid-20th century. Their work laid the foundation for understanding how dysfunctional muscle tissue can contribute to pain, weakness, and altered movement patterns.

Over time, physiotherapists refined dry needling into a clinically precise technique that fits within modern musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Today, it is used worldwide as part of an evidence-based physiotherapy treatment plan rather than a standalone therapy.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

Although dry needling and acupuncture both use very thin needles, they are based on different philosophies and clinical goals. Dry needling is rooted in Western medicine, anatomy, and modern pain science. It targets specific muscles and neuromuscular structures identified during a detailed physical assessment.

Acupuncture, by contrast, originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on influencing energy flow (Qi) along meridians. Dry needling is diagnosis-driven and movement-focused, making it particularly well suited to physiotherapy-based injury management and rehabilitation.

What to Expect During a Session

During a session, your physiotherapist will first assess your posture and muscle function to identify problematic areas. Fine, sterile needles are then inserted into specific tight muscle bands. You may experience:

• A brief aching, cramping, or twitch response
• Temporary muscle soreness after treatment

These responses are normal and usually settle within 24–48 hours. Dry needling is almost always combined with exercise therapy and movement retraining to ensure lasting results.

Evidence & Research Support

Benefits of Dry Needling

• Pain reduction: Helps desensitise overactive muscles and reduce pain signalling.
• Improved flexibility: Allows tight or shortened muscles to relax more effectively.
• Better movement: Supports smoother, more efficient movement patterns.
• Enhanced rehab: Makes strengthening exercises more comfortable and effective.
• Reduced guarding: Helps interrupt the pain–tension–restriction cycle.

Conditions & Clinical Uses

Dry needling is commonly used for:

• Neck pain and tension-related headaches
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff conditions
• Lower back pain and sciatica
• Hip, thigh, and gluteal muscle pain
• Hamstring, calf, and Achilles-related tightness
• Sports injuries and overuse syndromes
• Post-operative muscle stiffness