Dry Needling Explained: What It Is, How It Works & What to Expect

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique where a thin filiform needle is inserted into a myofascial trigger point — a hyper-irritable knot in a taut band of muscle — to elicit a local twitch response that releases muscle spasm and normalizes muscle function.

The Local Twitch Response

The therapeutic mechanism of dry needling is the local twitch response (LTR) — a brief spinal reflex contraction of the taut band. This resets the motor endplate, reduces acetylcholine leakage, normalizes pH, and resolves the dysfunctional motor unit.

What Evidence Shows

Dry needling reduces trigger point pain, improves range of motion, decreases muscle hypertonicity, and reduces referred pain. It is most effective when combined with physiotherapy exercise to address the underlying muscle imbalance causing trigger point formation.

Safety and Contraindications

Dry needling is very safe when performed by a trained physiotherapist. Contraindications include needle phobia, blood-thinning medications, pregnancy (in specific regions), lymphoedema, and immune compromise.