Dry Needling

What is dry needling?

Dry needling uses thin filiform needles (the same as those used in acupuncture) to release trigger points in skeletal muscle. The needle is inserted into a tight band of muscle to provoke a local twitch response, after which the muscle typically softens and pain decreases.

Despite using the same needle, dry needling is not acupuncture. The framework is musculoskeletal, not traditional Chinese medicine: needles are placed based on a physical assessment of where the muscle is dysfunctional, not on meridian points.

When dry needling can help

• Persistent muscle tightness that hasn’t responded to stretching or massage
• Chronic neck and upper-back tension with palpable trigger points
• Tendinopathies where the surrounding muscle is involved
• Post-injury muscle guarding that limits progress in rehab

Dry needling is not a standalone treatment. It’s a tool used alongside manual therapy, movement work, and a progressive exercise program.

What a session feels like

The needles are very thin, so insertion itself is usually barely felt. When the needle reaches an active trigger point, you may feel a brief twitch and a cramping sensation that fades within seconds. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal.

Is it safe?

In trained hands, dry needling has a strong safety record. Your therapist will ask about anatomy-relevant medications (anticoagulants), pregnancy, and any conditions that change the risk profile before proceeding.

Direct billing

We bill CNESST and SAAQ directly. Most private insurance plans accept our receipts for reimbursement.