Treatments
DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling is one of the most effective treatments available for muscle pain, trigger points and chronic muscle tightness. It uses fine, sterile filament needles to target the small, hyperirritable bands within a muscle (the myofascial trigger points) that refer pain locally and along predictable patterns. The needle creates a mechanical release that stretching, foam rolling and even manual therapy alone often cannot reach.
The technique is grounded in modern musculoskeletal anatomy and neurophysiology. When a needle is inserted into an active trigger point, it produces a brief local twitch response, which is the muscle releasing. This restores normal muscle length, improves local blood flow, reduces overactive pain signalling and resets the dysfunctional pattern that was driving the pain.
The evidence supporting dry needling has grown substantially. Kietrys and colleagues (2013) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of dry needling for upper-quarter myofascial pain and found significant improvements in pain compared with sham or no treatment. Gattie and colleagues (2017) extended this across musculoskeletal conditions more broadly, again finding meaningful effects on pain and function. For trigger point-driven neck pain, headaches, low back pain and shoulder tightness, dry needling consistently outperforms passive treatments.
We use dry needling alongside chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work and rehabilitation exercises. The needling addresses the muscular component fast; the manual therapy and exercise work address why the muscles became dysfunctional in the first place. This combination is what produces lasting results.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT WITH DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling targets the muscular component of pain. We use it specifically when myofascial trigger points are driving or contributing to your symptoms, often as part of a broader treatment plan that addresses why the muscles became tight in the first place. We use it most often for:
- Trigger points and chronic muscle knots
- Tension headaches with suboccipital and cervical muscle involvement
- Stubborn calf, hamstring and adductor tightness in athletes
- Quadratus lumborum and gluteal trigger points feeding low back pain
- TMJ and jaw pain from masseter and temporalis trigger points
- Persistent shoulder tightness from rotator cuff and scapular trigger points
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM DRY NEEDLING
Treatment is straightforward and most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is:
- A focused assessment to identify the active trigger points contributing to your pain
- Single-use, sterile, disposable filament needles inserted into the affected muscles
- A brief local twitch response in each treated point, which is the muscle releasing
- Sessions typically take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the area
- Most patients feel an immediate reduction in muscle tension and pain
- Mild local soreness, similar to post-workout muscle ache, for 24 to 48 hours afterwards is normal
- 1 to 3 sessions is often enough for an isolated issue; chronic patterns may need more
- Always combined with manual therapy and any home exercises or stretches needed to prevent the trigger points from recurring
Our approach is to identify exactly what is driving your pain, treat the muscular component effectively with dry needling and combine it with the chiropractic and rehabilitation work needed to keep the result. We do not use dry needling in isolation, because trigger points come back if the underlying movement, postural or training pattern is not addressed.
If trigger points are contributing to your pain, our pages on neck pain, headaches, low back pain, TMJ and jaw pain and shoulder pain have detailed clinical information on these conditions.
Located on Rivonia Road in Morningside, we serve patients from Sandton, Bryanston, Fourways, Randburg, Sunninghill, Rivonia and surrounding areas of Johannesburg.
Book a dry needling appointment online or get in touch if you would like to discuss your symptoms before booking.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry needling is a treatment technique that uses fine, sterile filament needles to target tight, painful muscle bands called myofascial trigger points. The needle is inserted into the muscle to elicit a brief twitch response, which releases the tension, restores normal muscle function and reduces pain. The needles are solid (not hollow) and nothing is injected, hence the term "dry."
They use similar needles but are based on completely different frameworks. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and uses meridian points to balance energy flow. Dry needling is a modern Western technique based on anatomy, neurophysiology and musculoskeletal pain science. The needles are inserted directly into specific muscles and trigger points to release them. Both can be helpful, but they are distinct treatments with different goals.
Most patients are surprised by how little they feel. The needle is very fine and the insertion is usually painless. When the needle reaches a trigger point you may feel a brief muscle twitch, which can feel like a small cramp or jump. This is the "local twitch response" and is the goal of treatment. Some patients describe it as a quick, deep ache that lasts a second or two before the muscle releases.
Many patients feel a noticeable change in muscle tension and pain immediately after treatment. The fullest effect usually emerges over the next 24 to 72 hours as the muscle continues to release. For chronic conditions, several sessions are typically needed to fully resolve the pattern. Most stubborn trigger points respond within 1 to 3 sessions of dry needling combined with the right rehabilitation work.
Dry needling is highly effective for muscle pain, trigger points, chronic muscle tightness and a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions where muscle dysfunction is contributing. This includes neck pain, headaches, shoulder tension, low back pain, sciatica, hip and gluteal tightness, calf and hamstring issues, plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer's elbow and TMJ-related pain.
Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner. Dry needling has an excellent safety profile. The needles are single-use, sterile and disposable. The most common side effect is mild local soreness or bruising for 24 to 48 hours after treatment, similar to having had a workout. Serious adverse events are rare. We screen every patient before treatment to confirm dry needling is appropriate.
Cortisone injections deliver an anti-inflammatory medication into a joint or soft tissue area. Dry needling is mechanical, not pharmacological. It uses the needle itself to physically release the tight muscle band and trigger a healing response. Dry needling has no medication-related side effects, can be repeated as often as needed and addresses the muscular component of pain that injections often do not reach.
For an isolated trigger point or recent muscle issue, 1 to 3 sessions is often enough. Chronic muscle pain or widespread trigger points may need 4 to 6 sessions. We re-evaluate at each visit and adjust the plan based on your response. Dry needling is most effective when combined with manual therapy and any appropriate home exercises or stretches that address why the muscles became tight in the first place.
Light movement is fine and often helpful after treatment. We usually advise avoiding very heavy training or high-intensity exercise for 24 hours after a session, as the treated muscles may be slightly tender. Walking, gentle mobility work and your normal daily activities are all encouraged.
Many South African medical aids cover dry needling as part of a chiropractic consultation, depending on your plan and benefits. Coverage varies between schemes. Contact us with your medical aid details and we can advise on what your plan covers before booking.
References
- Kietrys DM, Palombaro KM, Azzaretto E, et al. Effectiveness of dry needling for upper-quarter myofascial pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2013;43(9):620-634.
- Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2017;47(3):133-149.
- Liu L, Huang QM, Liu QG, et al. Effectiveness of dry needling for myofascial trigger points associated with neck and shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2015;96(5):944-955.