Ever heard us mention dry needling? Let’s dive into why we love this technique!

Dry needling uses single-use acupuncture needles to treat pain from myofascial (muscle and fascia) trigger points. These are painful spots in muscles that twitch when pressed. The pain can range from mild to severe and might cause referred pain, weakness, tightness, and even symptoms like sweating or eye watering.

Referred pain from trigger points can be tricky—it doesn’t follow nerve patterns and is often misdiagnosed. It can cause headaches, neck and shoulder pain, arm pain, lower back pain, and even sciatica. Dry needling helps target these issues effectively!

See below examples of trigger point pain patterns:

Did you know trigger points don’t show up on CT, MRI, Ultrasound, or X-ray scans? That’s why you need a skilled manual therapy practitioner, like your Physio, to diagnose them. We’ll ask lots of questions about your pain pattern, location, and what makes it better or worse.

Trigger point pain often doesn’t respond to Panadol or anti-inflammatories, making it tricky to diagnose and treat. But don’t worry—dry needling is a safe and super effective solution when done by an experienced practitioner. It can be a bit painful during treatment and might cause familiar referred pain, but this usually subsides after a few hours to a couple of days, leaving you feeling much better.

All our Physios at 3D offer dry needling, so feel free to discuss your pain at your next appointment. We’re here to help you feel your best!