What is dry needling?
Dry needling is the insertion of a fine filiform needle (the same type used in acupuncture) into a myofascial trigger point — a hyperirritable spot within a taut band of muscle. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles rather than traditional Chinese medicine theory.
The "dry" refers to the absence of any injected substance. The needle itself is the therapeutic agent — stimulating a local twitch response in the muscle, which signals a release of the trigger point and reduces the pain and tension associated with it.
What does it feel like?
Insertion of the needle itself is typically painless or barely perceptible — the needles are extremely fine. When the needle contacts a trigger point, a local twitch response may occur: a brief, involuntary muscle contraction that can feel like a quick cramp or deep ache. This response is usually short-lived and is often associated with immediate relief.
Some muscle soreness in the treated area is common for 24–48 hours after dry needling — similar to the feeling after intense exercise. This is a normal part of the tissue response and typically resolves quickly.
What it's used for
Dry needling is most effective for presentations with a significant myofascial component — where muscle tension and trigger points are contributing to pain, restricted movement, or referred symptoms.
- Neck and upper shoulder tension (often desk or posture-related)
- Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches
- Lower back and gluteal muscle tightness
- Piriformis syndrome and sciatic referral
- Hip flexor tightness from prolonged sitting
- Calf, hamstring and quadriceps muscle dysfunction
Dry needling is rarely used in isolation — it works best as part of a broader treatment plan that addresses the mechanical reasons the muscle became dysfunctional in the first place.
How it fits into your care
At Bassendean Chiropractic, dry needling is offered as a component of care, not a standalone session type. It is incorporated into an Extended Session when the assessment indicates myofascial involvement — typically combined with chiropractic adjustment, joint mobilisation, or soft tissue therapy addressing the same region.
The aim is to use the most effective combination of tools for your presentation — not to apply dry needling to every patient who presents with muscle tension.
Is dry needling safe?
Dry needling is a safe procedure when performed by a trained clinician. Single-use, sterile needles are used and immediately disposed of. A standard set of contraindications and precautions is screened prior to any needling — including blood thinners, needle phobia, pregnancy, and compromised immune status. If there are any contraindications, an equivalent soft tissue technique will be used instead.