Stockport Clinic
Marple Clinic
Chiropractic Health Centres

Dry Needling

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and dysfunction by inserting thin, sterile needles into trigger points—tight knots of muscle that can cause pain and restricted movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow (Qi), dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and neuromuscular principles. The goal is to release muscle tightness, improve blood flow, and reduce pain by stimulating the body’s natural healing response.


Dry needling is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions, sports injuries, myofascial pain syndrome, and musculoskeletal disorders. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can cause a local twitch response, which helps reset the muscle and reduce tension. Many patients report immediate relief or a noticeable improvement in mobility after treatment. While some mild soreness may occur after a session, dry needling is generally considered a safe and effective technique when performed by trained professionals such as chiropractors, physical therapists, and sports medicine practitioners.

professional acupuncturist performing dry needling 2025 03 18 18 33 25 utc