What is Dry Needling and How Can It Help You?
Are you struggling with stubborn muscle tightness, painful knots, or nagging pain that seems to come from nowhere? Dry needling therapy might be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Pursuit Athletic Centre, our trained physiotherapists use Integrated Dry Needling (IDN) to relieve muscle tension, improve mobility, and complement your personalized rehabilitation program.
Here’s a patient-friendly guide to dry needling, how it works, its benefits, and what to expect during a session.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a targeted treatment where a thin, sterile needle is inserted into tight muscle fibers known as trigger points. These trigger points often feel ropey or tense and can refer pain to other areas — for example, tight shoulders causing headaches. No medication or fluid is injected, which is why it’s called “dry” needling.
How Dry Needling Works
During dry needling, the needle stimulates a brief muscle contraction — called a twitch response — which helps:
Relax tight muscles
Restore normal muscle function
Increase local blood flow
Enhance movement retraining during physiotherapy
This makes dry needling therapy highly effective for both acute and chronic muscle pain.
Benefits of Dry Needling
People choose dry needling at Pursuit Athletic Centre because it is:
Fast: Quick twitch responses provide relief without long sessions of manual pressure
Effective: Reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and restores strength
Complementary: Works best alongside physiotherapy exercises, manual therapy, and movement retraining
What to Expect During a Session
Your therapist will perform a comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of your pain. During treatment, you may feel:
A brief muscle twitch or contraction
Deep pressure or mild discomfort at the trigger point
Mild soreness at the needling site for up to 24 hours is normal and part of the healing process.
Integrated Dry Needling (IDN) Approach
At Pursuit Athletic Centre, we practice Integrated Dry Needling (IDN). This means dry needling is never used in isolation — it’s combined with:
Personalized physiotherapy plans
Strength and flexibility exercises
Hands-on care to ensure long-lasting results
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes, Dry needling therapy is safe when performed by a licensed clinician like the licenses practioners at Pursuit. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict safety protocols. Your therapist will review any contraindications and explain the procedure step by step.
Aftercare Tips
After dry needling:
Expect minor soreness; use rest, gentle movement, or heat/ice as recommended
Perform prescribed exercises during the “window” after treatment for optimal results
Contact your therapist if you experience unusual symptoms like swelling, fever, or increased pain
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?
Dry needling is ideal for people experiencing:
Chronic or recurring muscle knots
Limited range of motion due to tight muscles
Pain during specific activities linked to trigger points
Individuals already working with a physiotherapist and ready for active rehabilitation
Quick FAQs
Does dry needling hurt? Discomfort is usually brief, with a quick twitch or deep pressure.
How many sessions are needed? Some see improvement after 1–2 sessions; others require a short course combined with physiotherapy.
Is it safe during pregnancy? Dry needling is not recommended for pregnant individuals.
Ready to Try Dry Needling Therapy?
Book your appointment at Pursuit Athletic Centre and ask for a clinician trained in Integrated Dry Needling (IDN). Wear clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area — dry needling cannot be performed through clothes.
Experience fast, effective relief from muscle tension and pain while complementing your physiotherapy plan at Pursuit Athletic Centre.
