Dry needling— explained clearly and used carefully.
Fine, sterile, single-use needles may be considered as one part of a broader physiotherapy plan when clinically appropriate.
The essentials at a glance.
Not an injection
No medication or fluid is delivered.
Different from acupuncture
It uses a different clinical assessment and treatment rationale.
An optional adjunct
It may support short-term symptom relief for selected patients.
Part of a wider plan
Education, exercise and rehabilitation remain important.
What is dry needling?
A needling technique used within physiotherapy.
A trained physiotherapist inserts a fine filiform needle through the skin into selected muscle or soft tissue based on your assessment.
The aim may be to influence pain sensitivity, muscle tone or movement for some patients. Responses vary, and it is not suitable for every patient or every body area.
Fine needle placed into selected soft tissue following assessment
Possible benefits
What may improve?
When appropriate, dry needling may help to:
- Reduce pain or muscle tightness.
- Improve movement, flexibility or muscle function.
- Support a return to work, sport and everyday activities.
Results vary between individuals. No treatment can guarantee a successful outcome.
Safety screening
Tell your physiotherapist before treatment if:
- You are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- You take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, have a bleeding disorder, or bruise or bleed easily.
- You have diabetes or epilepsy.
- Your immune system is weakened by a condition or medication.
- You have an infection, open wound, rash or skin condition near the proposed treatment area.
- You have a known metal allergy, particularly nickel or chromium.
- You have fainted, felt unwell or experienced panic with needles, injections or blood tests.
- You plan to fly or scuba dive within 24–48 hours after proposed needling near the neck, shoulder, upper back or chest.
What to expect
A careful five-step process.
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1
Assess & screen
We assess your presentation and check precautions.
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2
Explain options
Benefits, uncertainties, alternatives and risks are discussed.
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3
Consent
You read the information, ask questions and provide informed consent.
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4
Treatment
Sterile single-use needles are used as appropriate. You can ask to stop at any time.
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5
Reassess & plan
We review your response and continue with suitable movement or exercise.
During treatment
What might I feel?
- A brief pinprick as the needle is inserted.
- Pressure, a dull ache or a short muscle twitch.
- Temporary soreness after treatment.
Everyone responds differently. Tell your physiotherapist immediately if you feel uncomfortable or want the treatment stopped.
After treatment
After your appointment
- Keep the area clean.
- Resume suitable activity as advised.
- Contact the clinic if symptoms are unexpected or concerning.
Safety & informed consent
Understand the possible side effects and risks.
Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by an appropriately trained physiotherapist, but inserting a needle through the skin involves possible side effects and risks.
Common and usually mild
These usually settle within a few days.
- Muscle soreness for 24–72 hours.
- Minor bruising.
- A small amount of bleeding.
- Feeling tired.
- A temporary increase in symptoms.
Less common
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Nausea or sweating.
- Skin irritation.
- Temporary tingling or numbness from irritation of a nearby nerve.
Rare but serious
Although extremely rare, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) may occur if dry needling is performed around the neck, shoulder, upper back or chest. This requires immediate medical assessment.
Seek immediate medical care for warning symptoms.
After dry needling around the neck, shoulder, upper back or chest, go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain—especially with a deep breath—a persistent cough or blue lips. Tell staff that you recently had dry needling.
Clear distinction
Dry needling and acupuncture are not the same.
Both use fine needles, but the clinical rationale and professional framework may differ.
| Dry needling in physiotherapy | Acupuncture |
|---|---|
| Based on a physiotherapy assessment. | A distinct practice with its own theoretical frameworks. |
| Targets selected muscle or soft tissue. | May use different point-selection methods. |
| Used within a rehabilitation plan. | Provided within the practitioner's relevant training and scope. |
The complete plan
Needling is only one possible part of recovery.
- 1Education
- 2Hands-on care
- 3Dry needling, if suitable
- 4Exercise & load progression
- 5Reassessment
Other options may be recommended instead of, or alongside, dry needling.
- Manual therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Education and advice
- Activity modification
- TENS, where appropriate
- Therapeutic ultrasound, where appropriate
- Shockwave therapy, where appropriate
- Medical review or referral to another practitioner
Choosing not to have dry needling will not affect your access to other physiotherapy treatment at Physio Cure.
Questions before dry needling
Clear answers before you decide.
Do I have to have dry needling?
No. Dry needling is optional. You may decline it or withdraw consent at any time without affecting access to other physiotherapy care at Physio Cure.
Does dry needling hurt?
Experiences vary. You may notice a brief pinprick, pressure, a dull ache or a short muscle twitch. You can ask your physiotherapist to pause or stop at any time.
How many needles are used?
There is no fixed number. If dry needling is appropriate, the number and location depend on your assessment, the area being treated and your preferences.
Can I exercise afterwards?
Many people can continue with suitable activity, but advice depends on your presentation and response. Follow the individual guidance provided by your physiotherapist.
Can I have dry needling while pregnant?
Pregnancy must be discussed before treatment. Your physiotherapist will assess whether it is appropriate and explain alternatives where needed.
What if I take blood-thinning medication?
Tell your physiotherapist about all anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication, including medicines such as warfarin, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban, apixaban or aspirin. Your clinician will assess the bleeding and bruising risk before recommending treatment.
Two Convenient Clinics
Choose the clinic that is most convenient for you.
Ready for an assessment?
Interested in dry needling?
Book a physiotherapy assessment to discuss whether dry needling may be suitable for you.