What does dry needling involve?
The term dry means no medicine is injected through the needle. The selected tissue is assessed first, and the technique, position and possible sensations are discussed before you decide to proceed.
It is a local muscular treatment option, not a diagnosis in itself. A sore or sensitive spot does not automatically need a needle.
What is meant by a trigger point?
Clinicians commonly use trigger point to describe a sensitive area in muscle that may reproduce a familiar discomfort when examined. This is sometimes described informally as a knot.
The proposed mechanisms and the reliability of identifying trigger points are debated. The term should not be taken as proof of one cause or a claim that needling releases a confirmed physical blockage.
Our Approach explains how local findings are considered alongside symptoms, movement and wider assessment.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture
Both use fine needles, and the physical locations selected can overlap. Dry needling commonly concentrates on muscular findings using an anatomical rationale. Acupuncture is a broader practice that can also use local muscular treatment, traditional point selection and points away from the symptoms.
The distinction is therefore not simply the needle or whether a point is local. The assessment, treatment rationale and practitioner training matter. Rory practises as a Registered Acupuncturist; dry needling can sit within his broader treatment approach.
Neither label means a technique is automatically appropriate or more effective for your situation.
Why choose it or combine techniques?
Where a relevant muscular presentation is identified, Rory may discuss local needling or a combination with acupuncture or soft tissue care. The choice depends on goals, suitability and your preferences rather than doing every technique at every visit.
Agree on a practical review point. A temporary sensation during needling does not establish a lasting result, and needling does not replace rehabilitation when that is needed.
Sensations, consent and risks
Local aching, a brief muscle response or soreness afterwards may occur. Sharp pain or distress is a reason to tell Rory and adjust or stop treatment, not something to push through.
Needling has risks, including bruising, bleeding, dizziness, infection and possible injury to deeper structures. Share relevant medicines and health history before treatment. Chest pain or breathing difficulty after needling needs urgent medical assessment.
See the needling safety information and the patient comparison before deciding which questions to ask.