Dry Needling
Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, solid filament needles to target specific trigger points within your muscles. Unlike injections, no medication is delivered through the needle—hence the name “dry” needling.
When inserted into a trigger point or taut band of muscle tissue, the needle creates a local twitch response that helps:
- Release tension and reduce pain
- Restore normal muscle function
- Increase blood flow to the area
- Reduce local inflammation
- Promote the release of your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals
For residents of South Surrey, White Rock, Langley, and Ocean Park dealing with persistent muscle tension, dry needling offers a targeted approach that can reach deep tissue that other treatments simply cannot access.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
While both techniques use similar needles, they are fundamentally different:
- Acupuncture — Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on balancing energy flow along meridians throughout your body
- Dry needling — Based on Western medical principles, specifically targets the musculoskeletal system—focusing on anatomical trigger points, muscle dysfunction, and neuromuscular patterns
At At Ease Physio, our physiotherapists use dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that often integrates manual therapy and exercise prescription, tailored to your specific needs.
- Best for
- Chronic muscle tension, trigger points, sports injuries
- Typical course
- 3-6 sessions
- Coverage
- Extended health benefits (physiotherapy)
Who is this for?
- Athletes recovering from training or injury
- People with chronic muscle tension from desk work or computer use
- Those who haven't found lasting relief with massage alone
- Individuals with persistent trigger points or muscle knots
- Patients preparing for or recovering from surgery
- Those experiencing referred pain patterns from distant trigger points
Conditions and concerns
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries and muscle strains
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
- Hip and gluteal pain, including piriformis syndrome
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
- TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Post-surgical muscle tightness
- Repetitive strain injuries
How it helps
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Releases Tight Muscle Knots
Creates mechanical disruption that helps contracted muscle fibers relax and return to their normal resting length
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Reduces Chronic Pain
Deactivates trigger points that cause referred pain patterns affecting areas far from the original problem
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Improves Range of Motion
Decreased muscle tension leads to improved mobility in affected joints and surrounding tissues
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Speeds Sports Recovery
Athletes benefit from faster healing times and quicker return to training
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Decreases Headache Frequency
Addresses trigger points in neck and shoulder muscles that commonly contribute to tension headaches and migraines
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Reaches Deep Muscle Pain
Accesses muscles that lie beneath superficial tissue when other manual techniques fall short
What to expect
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Assessment
Your physiotherapist evaluates your movement patterns, posture, and areas of pain, identifying specific trigger points and taut bands through palpation to create a targeted treatment plan.
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Treatment
Thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points, creating a twitch response that releases muscle tension. You may feel brief pressure or aching followed by immediate relaxation.
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Recovery
Expect muscle soreness for 24-48 hours post-treatment. Your physiotherapist may recommend gentle stretching, heat application, or light activity to support healing.
Meet the Practitioners
Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery.
New to physiotherapy?
Start with an assessment. You do not need to choose a treatment technique.
Why choose At Ease Physio?
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Specialized Training
Our team has completed advanced training in anatomical dry needling with extensive knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy to ensure safe, effective treatment.
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Comprehensive Approach
We integrate dry needling with hands-on manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education for lasting results.
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Evidence-Based Practice
Our techniques are grounded in current research and clinical best practices.
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Safe, Sterile Technique
We follow strict hygiene protocols and use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles.
Frequently asked questions
Does dry needling hurt?
How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
How many sessions will I need?
Are there any side effects?
Is dry needling covered by insurance?
Living With Stubborn Muscle Knots?
Trigger points can cause pain that radiates far from the source. Book an assessment and let us target the root of your tension.