Dry Needling and Trigger Points
What are trigger points – and why can they be so painful?
Most of us have felt what we call a ‘knot’ in a muscle – that tight, tender spot that seems to be asking to be pressed, stretched or massaged.
These tender areas are often referred to as myofascial trigger points. They can develop within a muscle or the surrounding tissue and may be associated with muscle tension, pain, reduced movement or weakness.
Trigger points are generally described as either active or latent.
Active trigger points
An active trigger point can be painful without being touched and may cause a persistent ache or discomfort.
It can also cause referred pain, where you feel pain somewhere other than the area being irritated. For example, trigger points around the gluteal or lower back muscles may contribute to pain felt around the lower back or hip, while sensitive areas in muscles around the neck and shoulders may be associated with some headache symptoms.
Latent trigger points
Latent trigger points generally aren’t painful unless they’re pressed or the muscle is being used in a particular way.
Even when they’re not causing obvious pain, they may be associated with muscle tightness, reduced movement or changes in how comfortably a muscle works.
So, how can dry needling help?
Dry needling involves inserting a very fine needle into specific areas of muscle or soft tissue identified during your physiotherapy assessment.
When a needle is inserted into a sensitive area or trigger point, you may feel a brief twitch or cramping sensation. The exact mechanisms behind dry needling are still being studied, but the treatment may help change pain sensitivity, reduce muscle tension and improve movement in some people.
Sometimes this gives your physiotherapist a useful window to then work on movement, mobility or strengthening with less discomfort.
Is dry needling enough on its own?
Usually, no.
At Wisdom Physiotherapy, we see dry needling as one tool in the toolbox, rather than a treatment for everything.
If dry needling is appropriate for you, we may combine it with hands-on treatment, mobility work, strengthening, Clinical Pilates or a home exercise program.
The aim isn’t simply to get rid of a ‘knot’. We want to understand why the area has become painful or overloaded in the first place and help you get back to moving comfortably and confidently.
What should I expect after dry needling?
It’s quite common to experience some mild muscle soreness after dry needling – a little like the feeling after exercise.
This usually settles within 24–48 hours. Gentle movement and keeping the area comfortable can help while any soreness settles.
Your physiotherapist will let you know what to expect after treatment and whether there is anything you should modify temporarily.
Could dry needling help you?
Dry needling can be useful for some people with muscle pain and tightness, but it isn’t necessarily the right treatment for everyone.
Your physiotherapist can assess what’s going on, explain your treatment options and decide whether dry needling could be a useful part of your plan.
