Blog, Physiotherapy
Understanding Dry Needling: History, Mechanism, and Pain Relief Benefits

Dry needling has gained popularity as an effective treatment for muscle pain and dysfunction.
Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals use this technique to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. But what exactly is dry needling?
In this article, we’ll explore its history, administration, mechanism of action, and the areas where it is most effective.
The History of Dry Needling
Dry needling originated from Western medicine and is distinct from acupuncture, despite some similarities.
The concept dates back to the 1940s when Dr. Janet Travell, a physician and researcher, introduced the idea of myofascial trigger points and their role in chronic pain.
Initially, doctors injected local anaesthetics into these trigger points, but later research showed that inserting a needle without injecting any substance—hence the term “dry” needling—was equally effective in relieving pain.
Since then, dry needling has evolved based on scientific understanding of muscle physiology, nerve function, and pain modulation. Today, it is widely used by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and sports medicine practitioners to treat musculoskeletal conditions.
How Dry Needling is Administered
Dry needling involves inserting thin, sterile needles directly into trigger points—hyperirritable spots in tight muscle bands that cause pain and dysfunction.
The procedure follows a structured approach:
- Patient Assessment – The practitioner evaluates the patient’s pain patterns, movement restrictions, and trigger points.
- Needle Insertion – A fine, filiform needle is inserted into the affected muscle to elicit a local twitch response (LTR), a quick muscle contraction that helps release tension.
- Needle Manipulation – The practitioner may move or twist the needle slightly to enhance the therapeutic effect.
- Needle Removal – The needle is carefully removed, and post-treatment advice is given, such as stretching or hydration to aid muscle recovery.
Mechanism of Action: How Dry Needling Works
Dry needling is believed to work through several physiological mechanisms:
- Trigger Point Deactivation – The insertion of the needle disrupts dysfunctional motor end plates, leading to muscle relaxation.
- Neuromuscular Modulation – The technique stimulates nerve fibers, reducing pain signaling to the brain.
- Increased Blood Flow – Dry needling improves circulation to the affected area, facilitating tissue healing and reducing inflammation.
- Endorphin Release – The process triggers the body’s natural painkillers, promoting overall pain relief and relaxation.
- Desensitisation of Pain Pathways – By resetting the nervous system’s pain response, dry needling helps break chronic pain cycles.
Conditions and Areas That Benefit from Dry Needling
Dry needling is effective for treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck and Shoulder Pain – Helps release tension in the trapezius and cervical muscles, commonly affected by poor posture and stress.
- Lower Back Pain – Addresses deep muscle tightness contributing to chronic lumbar pain.
- Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow – Reduces pain and improves function in conditions affecting the forearm muscles.
- Hip & Gluteal Pain – Targets piriformis syndrome and deep hip muscle tightness.
- Knee Pain – Assists with conditions like patellar tendonitis and IT band syndrome.
- Plantar Fasciitis – Relieves foot pain by targeting the soleus and plantar fascia.
- Headaches & Migraines – Treats muscle tightness in the neck and head that contribute to tension headaches.
Conclusion
Dry needling is a powerful tool for pain relief and muscle recovery.
With a well-documented history, scientific backing, and a growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness, this technique continues to be widely used in physiotherapy.
If you’re dealing with persistent muscle pain or mobility restrictions, dry needling might be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan.
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Written By:
Marinus Du Preez (Principal Physiotherapist) Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) |