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If tight painful muscles keep getting in the way of your life, dry needling could be something to think about. Dry needling, sometimes called stimulation or IMS is a physiotherapy method where a thin sterile needle is gently placed into a tight or irritated muscle. The goal is to release the tension, ease the pain signals and help the muscle return to function.
At ARKA Physiotherapy dry needling is not a solution on its own. It is part of a treatment plan. That plan usually includes hands-on therapy, guidance on movement retraining and simple exercises you can do at home.
Many people in Surrey look into needling after dealing with months of stiffness, repeated pain or an injury that just won’t heal with rest alone. If this sounds like what you’ve been through, the sections below will explain how dry needling works and whether it might be right for you.
Muscles can sometimes form tender knots known as trigger points. These are bands of muscle that stay contracted even when you are at rest. They can lead to pain right where they are, send pain to parts of the body and make it harder for joints to move fully.
When a needle is placed into a trigger point the muscle often gives an involuntary twitch. This twitch is usually followed by a release of tension. In the hours and days after the treatment patients often say the area feels softer and more relaxed. They also notice they can move easily. Your physiotherapist then uses this time of movement to guide you through specific exercises. This helps make the improvement last longer and strengthens the muscle in a way.
Dry needling is not for everyone and your physiotherapist will assess you before suggesting it. It is often considered in the following situations.
If you deal with tightness that stretching, heat or massage only helps temporarily dry needling can help release the trigger points that keep the muscle locked up.
People living with term back pain or widespread muscle pain including fibromyalgia may find that dry needling helps reduce discomfort and makes daily activities easier as part of a broader program.
Runners, gym-goers and recreational athletes often develop strains or repetitive overload problems that leave muscles tight and restricted. Dry needling can support rehabilitation so you return to your sport with movement.
Once your surgeon has cleared you for rehabilitation dry needling may help ease muscle guarding around the operated area and improve mobility.
At our clinic patients come for needling because they have many different problems. The frequent problems are listed below.
Desk work, driving, lifting and everyday stress all put pressure on these areas. Releasing muscle groups can lower pain. Make it easier to sit, reach and move.
Tennis elbow and Achilles tendinopathy usually involve muscles around the tendon that stay overworked. Treating those muscles can lessen the load on the tendon. Help recovery.
Tight muscles in the neck and upper back can cause headaches. When those muscles are released some patients notice less intense headaches.
After the healing stage lingering tightness can slow progress. Dry needling may help restore muscle function when combined with a rehabilitation plan.
This condition has tender trigger points that can send pain to other places. Dry needling is one of the direct ways to treat those trigger points.
Targeted pain relief Many patients notice their pain begins to get better after a few sessions especially when the pain comes from muscle tension.
Better movement When tight muscles are released, moving becomes easier. This can make exercise and everyday tasks feel more comfortable and cause pain.
Support for recovery By reducing muscle tightness dry needling helps you take part in your rehabilitation. It allows you to do more during therapy and recover at a pace.
Works with treatments Needling pairs well with exercise therapy, manual therapy and education, about posture and how to manage load. The best results usually happen when dry needling is used as part of a treatment plan.
Low risk when performed by a trained professional. Side effects are usually mild and fade fast. These might include soreness or small bruises. They don’t last long.
Ongoing muscle pain doesn’t have to be something you just accept. If you’re thinking about needling in Surrey the team at ARKA Physiotherapy can look at your symptoms, talk about your choices in a clear way and create a treatment plan that fits your goals. Make an appointment today to see if Surrey needling might help you move with less pain and more confidence
Both use needles but the reasons for using them are different. Acupuncture comes from Chinese medicine and involves placing needles along energy pathways in the body. Dry needling is based on anatomy and how nerves and muscles work. Your physiotherapist uses needling to focus on specific muscles and trigger points that are linked to your pain and movement issues.
It is often used for muscle-related pain like neck pain, shoulder pain and back pain. It can also help with tendon issues, tension headaches, sports injuries and myofascial pain. Your physiotherapist will look at your condition during an assessment. Let you know if it is right for you.
Most people say the needle going in feels nothing. The twitch response might feel like a cramp or a deep ache but it goes away fast. If you ever feel uncomfortable during the session let your therapist know. They can change how they do things to make you more comfortable.
Side effects are usually mild and often resolve quickly. Side effects can include soreness, minor bruising and sometimes tiredness, after treatment. Serious complications are rare when treatment is carried out by a trained practitioner. Let your physiotherapist know if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder or have a fear of needles as these may affect whether treatment is suitable.
Yes. It usually works best that way. It is often paired with exercise, manual therapy and movement education so that the relief you gain is reinforced and lasts longer.
Our team at ARKA Physiotherapy is here to support you through every step of your ICBC claim and rehabilitation.
