Dry Needling Explained: A Practical Guide
Dry needling gets confused with acupuncture a lot, so let's clear that up first: they're different techniques with different goals, even though both use thin needles.
What it is
Dry needling involves inserting a fine needle directly into a tight or overactive muscle, often at what's called a trigger point, a small area of muscle that's stayed contracted and won't release on its own. The goal is to get that muscle to relax, restore normal function, and reduce pain.
Acupuncture, by contrast, is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and works from a different framework around energy pathways. Dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and physiology.
When I use it
I reach for dry needling when:
A muscle is stubbornly tight and hasn't responded to stretching, foam rolling, or hands-on treatment alone
There's a clear trigger point contributing to pain, whether that's in the neck, shoulders, glutes, or calves
Someone's dealing with overuse patterns from training or repetitive movement, common in golfers and desk-based clients alike
It's rarely the only technique in a session. Usually it's paired with manual therapy and, where relevant, strength work to stop the tightness from just coming straight back.
What it feels like
You might feel a dull ache, a small twitch, or a brief cramping sensation as the needle finds the trigger point. It's not comfortable, but it's brief, and most people find it a lot more tolerable than they expected.
Afterward, you might feel a bit tender in the area for a day or so, similar to muscle soreness after a hard session at the gym.
Is it for you?
Not every complaint calls for dry needling, and I'll only suggest it where it makes sense for what you're dealing with. If you've got a stubborn spot that just won't release, it's worth asking about at your next appointment.
Ready to book?
If this sounds like what you're dealing with, book a session at Border Osteo & Performance and we'll build a plan around what your body actually needs.
FAQ
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture? No. Dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points based on Western anatomy, while acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and works from a different framework.
Will I be sore afterward? Some tenderness in the treated area for a day or so is common, similar to muscle soreness after a hard workout.
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About the author
Dr Harry Shirley is an AHPRA-registered osteopath and founder of Border Osteo & Performance, based inside Club Forma Gym in Richmond. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) and a Bachelor of Health Science, with 8+ years of experience in musculoskeletal and sport health. Harry has worked within Golf Australia and Golf Victoria's High Performance programs and is currently completing a Master's in High Performance Sport at ACU.
