Dry Needling
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a specialized therapy used by physiotherapists to relieve muscle pain, release tension, and improve movement.
It involves the use of very thin, sterile needles inserted into tight bands of muscle known as trigger points at specific points on your body.
Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional energy pathways, dry needling focuses specifically on musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. The needle stimulates targeted muscles to “release and relax” and produces local inflammation, which helps to restart the body’s natural healing process.
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A single-needle technique that targets a trigger point or “knot” in a specific muscle.
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The needle is inserted more deeply and repeatedly into muscle tissue, therefore treatments can be uncomfortable.
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Treatments are usually a few minutes in duration and can easily be included in regular physiotherapy treatment sessions.
What Conditions Can Benefit From Dry Needling?
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
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Trigger points (knots) in muscles that cause local and referred pain
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Common in the neck, shoulders, and low back
Chronic Neck & Back Pain
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Muscle tightness and trigger points often contribute to chronic pain
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Helps reduce pain intensity and improve range of motion
Headaches & Migraines
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Tension-type headaches and some migraines can be alleviated by targeting trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and jaw muscles
Shoulder Conditions
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Rotator cuff injuries
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Frozen shoulder
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Postural muscle imbalances
Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow
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Chronic lateral or medial epicondylitis with associated muscle tightness
Hip & Gluteal Pain
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Piriformis syndrome
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Gluteal trigger points referring pain into the leg
Knee Pain
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)
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Quadriceps or IT band tightness
Plantar Fasciitis & Foot Pain
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Trigger points in the calf and foot muscles contribute to heel pain
Jaw Pain / TMJ Dysfunction
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Myofascial pain in the masseter and temporalis muscles can benefit from targeted dry needling
Sports Injuries
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Overuse injuries like hamstring strains, calf tightness, shin splints
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Enhances recovery and reduces recurrence
How Does Dry Needling Work?
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Targets trigger points in tight muscles
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Releases tension and improves blood flow
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Reduces pain and stiffness
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Restores normal movement patterns
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Complements physiotherapy exercise and manual therapy
Benefits of Dry Needling at Cogent Rehab
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Quick relief from muscle pain and stiffness
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Improved mobility and flexibility
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Faster recovery from injuries
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Reduced risk of recurring muscle problems
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Safe, sterile, and evidence-informed techniques
FAQs About Dry Needling
Q1. Is dry needling painful?
Most patients describe dry needling as only mildly uncomfortable. You may feel a quick “twitch response” when the needle reaches a tight muscle, but this usually lasts only a few seconds. Many patients experience immediate relief and improved mobility afterward.
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Q2. How many sessions do I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, goals, and response to treatment. Some patients notice improvement after just one session, while others may benefit from a series of treatments combined with exercise and manual therapy.
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Q3. Is dry needling safe?
Yes. At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, all dry needling treatments are performed by licensed physiotherapists who have specialized training in this technique. Sterile, single-use needles are always used to ensure safety.es. Our physiotherapists are trained to perform dry needling safely using single-use sterile needles in a controlled clinical environment.
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Q4. Is dry needling covered by insurance?
Yes. Since dry needling is performed by a physiotherapist as part of your treatment plan, it is typically covered under most extended health insurance plans in Ontario. Patients should confirm specific coverage with their provider.