Dry Needling

Dry needling is a modern therapeutic technique used to treat muscular pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific trigger points — which are tight, overactive, or knotted areas within a muscle — to help release tension and restore normal muscle function.

Trigger points can develop as a result of overuse, stress, postural imbalances, or injury. They often cause localised pain or can refer pain to other areas of the body. When a needle is gently inserted into these points, it creates a local twitch response — a brief contraction followed by a relaxation of the muscle — which helps relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Dry needling is different from acupuncture in both philosophy and application. While acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, dry needling is grounded in Western medicine and musculoskeletal anatomy. It’s commonly used by chiropractors, physiotherapists, and other manual therapists as part of a broader treatment plan.

Some benefits of dry needling include:

• Reduced muscle tightness and pain

• Improved range of motion and flexibility

• Enhanced recovery from sports or activity-related injuries

• Support for postural or repetitive strain conditions

The process is usually well-tolerated, with many people feeling only a brief pinprick or mild ache during the treatment. Some may experience post-needling soreness, which typically resolves within 24–48 hours.

At Oak Chiropractic, dry needling is used strategically to complement hands-on treatment and exercise therapy. It’s one of many tools we use to help you feel better, move better, and recover faster.