Dry needling is a highly effective treatment technique used by our qualified physiotherapists to relieve muscle pain, reduce tightness, and improve movement. It's called "dry" needling because nothing is injected – the therapeutic effect comes from the needle itself.

Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling is grounded in modern Western medicine and focuses specifically on treating muscular pain and dysfunction.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

During a dry needling session, our physiotherapists insert fine, sterile needles into specific trigger points – tight bands or knots within your muscles that cause pain and restrict movement.

When the needle enters these trigger points, it:

• Releases muscle tension by causing the tight muscle fibres to relax

• Improves blood flow to the affected area, promoting natural healing

• Reduces pain signals sent from the muscle to your brain

• Stimulates your body's healing response, encouraging tissue repair and recovery

The result? Reduced pain, improved mobility, and faster recovery from injury.

Conditions We Treat with Dry Needling

At Fisio Moves, we successfully use dry needling therapy to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions:

Chronic Pain & Muscle Tension

• Persistent muscle tightness and knots

• Trigger point pain in neck, shoulders, and back

• Chronic pain conditions that haven't responded to other treatments

Headaches & Migraines

• Tension headaches caused by tight neck and shoulder muscles

• Cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck)

• Migraine relief through muscle tension release

Neck & Shoulder Pain

• Neck pain from poor posture or prolonged sitting

• Shoulder blade pain and tightness

• Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff issues

• Common shoulder injuries from swimming, tennis, or gym workouts

Back Pain

• Lower back pain from muscle strain

• Most common lower back injuries from lifting or golf

• Chronic back pain and postural dysfunction

• Muscle spasms and stiffness

Sports Injuries

• Hamstring strains and tears

• Calf muscle tightness

• IT band syndrome

• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow

• Sports injuries physio treatment for all levels of athletes

Limb Pain

• Plantar fasciitis and foot pain

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Hip bursitis and gluteal pain

• Knee pain related to muscle tightness

Benefits of Dry Needling

Patients who receive dry needling at Fisio Moves often experience:

• Immediate pain relief – Many patients feel significant relief during or immediately after treatment

• Improved range of motion – Release of tight muscles allows for better movement and flexibility

• Faster recovery from injury – Enhanced blood flow accelerates your body's natural healing process

• Reduced muscle tension and spasms

• Better sleep – Relief from chronic pain often improves sleep quality

• Enhanced athletic performance – Addressing muscle tightness helps prevent future injuries

• Complementary to other treatments – Works excellently alongside manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and clinical pilates

What to Expect During Your Dry Needling Session

At Fisio Moves, we ensure every patient feels comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their treatment.

Your First Session

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify areas of muscle tightness, trigger points, and movement dysfunction. We'll discuss your pain, medical history, and treatment goals.

2. Treatment Explanation

Before we begin, we'll explain exactly what dry needling involves, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable proceeding.

3. Targeted Needling

Using ultra-fine, sterile needles (much thinner than those used for injections), your physiotherapist will carefully insert needles into identified trigger points. You may feel a brief pinch or a deep ache – this is normal and indicates the muscle is responding.

4. Muscle Response

When the needle hits an active trigger point, you might experience a "twitch response" – a brief, involuntary muscle contraction. This is a good sign that the treatment is working.

5. Rest Period

Needles typically remain in place for 10-30 minutes while you rest comfortably. During this time, the muscles begin to release and relax.

6. Post-Treatment Care

After removing the needles, your physiotherapist may perform gentle stretching, manual therapy, or provide you with specific exercises to maximise the benefits of treatment.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. The needles used are extremely thin – far thinner than needles used for blood tests or vaccinations. While you may feel a brief sharp sensation or deep ache when the needle contacts a trigger point, this typically subsides within seconds.

Any post-treatment soreness is usually mild and resolves within 24-48 hours. Many patients describe feeling significantly better immediately after treatment.

Why Choose Fisio Moves for Dry Needling?

Qualified & Experienced Physiotherapists

All our physiotherapists have completed advanced training in dry needling techniques and maintain the highest standards of clinical practice.

Holistic, Multi-Disciplinary Approach

We don't just treat symptoms. Dry needling is integrated into comprehensive treatment plans that may include:

• Manual therapy and joint mobilisation

• Targeted exercise rehabilitation programs

• Remedial massage therapy

• Clinical Pilates for strength and stability

• Education on injury prevention and self-management

Personalised Care

We take the time to understand your unique condition, goals, and concerns. Your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you.

Evidence-Based Practice

Our approach is grounded in the latest research and clinical evidence, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment available.

Inclusive & Accessible

We offer services in English, Mandarin, Gujarati, and Hindi, ensuring clear communication and understanding for all our patients.