Dry Needling — Targeted Muscle Relief
A sterile, precise technique that targets overactive muscle trigger points to reduce pain, restore movement, and support active rehab. No medication injected.
What it helps with
Dry needling is most effective when pain or stiffness is driven by tight, overactive muscles that limit movement or load tolerance.
- Restricted range of motion
- Persistent muscle tightness or “knots”
- Muscle guarding after injury or surgery
- Localized pain that worsens with movement
- Pain that hasn’t responded fully to exercise alone
The Process
Step 1: Identify the trigger
We assess MVMT and palpate sensitive muscle areas contributing to pain, stiffness, or altered mechanics.
Step 2: Dry needle release
A thin, sterile needle targets the trigger point to reduce muscle tone, improve blood flow, and calm pain signaling.
Step 3: Reinforce with MVMT
We guide you through 1–2 targeted MVMT or exercises to lock in mobility and prevent symptoms from returning.
A clear, straightforward experience — no surprises.
What to expect
During treatment, you may feel a brief twitch or dull ache as the needle stimulates the muscle. Mild soreness (similar to a post-workout feeling) can last 24–48 hours.
Most people feel looser or more mobile shortly after treatment. Dry needling works best when combined with movement and loading, not as a standalone fix.
Dry Needling at MVMT Kinetic
Benefits
- Targets trigger points that limit function, not just where pain is felt.
- Ideal when pain or tightness is blocking progress in rehab or training.
- Creates the window for lasting change when paired with targeted MVMT exercises
- Improves how your body responds to exercise by decreasing resistance and pain before loading.
- Rapidly reduces muscle guarding so movement feels easier, often within the same session.
- Quick treatment with minimal downtime, allowing most people to return to normal activity the same day.
What to know before your session
FAQ
1. Is dry needling safe, and who should not have it?
Dry needling is safe when performed by a trained physiotherapist, but it may not be appropriate if you have certain medical conditions, bleeding disorders, or needle sensitivity—your therapist will screen this thoroughly before treatment.
2. Can I exercise the same day as dry needling?
Yes—light MVMT is encouraged, and we often use dry needling specifically to make exercise more comfortable and effective during the same session.
3. How do you decide whether dry needling is the right tool for me?
We choose dry needling when pain or stiffness is being driven by overactive muscle tissue that’s limiting movement or loading. If your symptoms are better addressed through exercise, manual therapy, or another approach, we won’t needle — the goal is to use the right tool at the right time, not default to any single technique.
4.How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
Dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points based on anatomy and movement assessment, with the goal of reducing muscle tension and improving function.
Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on broader systemic effects. At MVMT Kinetic, we choose the approach that best fits your presentation and goals.