Dry needling (dry needle therapy) is a technique that uses thin, flexible, sterile, disposable needles, similar to acupuncture needles. Needles are inserted into "trigger points" in tight tissues that are reducing movement and causing pain. The therapist inserts and removes the needle quickly and repeatedly, targeting the tight tissue from multiple angles.
Some patients get immediate results from dry needling, although repeated treatments are usually needed. Before any needling, skin is swabbed with a disinfectant for extra safety.
Dry needle therapy requires post-graduate training and certification. All our physiotherapists who offer dry needling are also certified in acupuncture. Many of our therapists, including Don Charbonneau, are trained in advanced dry needling techniques such as the Gokavi Transverse Technique.
People commonly ask us what the difference is between dry needling and acupuncture. Our blog post, here, answers that question exactly:
Can dry needling help you? Call us for a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if this physical therapy approach is appropriate for your symptoms.
FAQs about Dry Needling
Below are the most common questions we hear from patients about how dry needling works, what conditions it treats, and what to expect during treatment. If you're considering dry needling as part of your physiotherapy treatment plan, this FAQ section is a great place to start.
Dry needling is used by our physiotherapists to release tight muscles, reduce pain, and improve movement. It’s commonly included in physiotherapy treatment plans for muscle strains, joint pain, and chronic tension that does not respond to stretching or manual therapy alone.
Dry needling works by inserting a fine needle into a muscle trigger point — an area of tightness or sensitivity. This causes a twitch response, which helps the muscle relax, increases blood flow, and reduces pain and stiffness.
Dry needling can help treat:
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
- Headaches and migraines
- TMJ (jaw) pain
- Hip and gluteal pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Sports injuries and muscle strains
No. While both treatments use similar needles, dry needling targets muscle trigger points based on anatomy and physiology, whereas acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on energy meridians and acupoints. (That said, at our clinic we practice a version of acupuncture that is based more on science, neurology and anatomy - "neuro-anatomical acupuncture").
Read our blog post here on the difference between dry needling and acupuncture:
Most people feel only a brief twitch or mild ache during treatment. Any discomfort is short-lived and typically followed by noticeable muscle relief. Some mild soreness is possible for up to 24 hours after treatment.
Yes. Dry needling is safe when performed by a licensed physiotherapist trained in the technique. At River East Physiotherapy, all needles are sterile, single-use, and applied using evidence-based methods and safety protocols.
In Manitoba, all physiotherapists providing dry needling must also be certified in acupuncture. Acupuncture training is extensive, and ensures all physiotherapists practice at a highly safe level. If you're seeing a physiotherapist at any clinic in Manitoba, you can verify whether they are licensed and certified in acupuncture by looking them up on the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba's website, here.
A dry needling session usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. It is often included as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment session that may also include manual therapy and exercise.
The number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, pain level, and treatment goals. Some people notice significant improvement after one session, while others require multiple treatments for long-term relief.
Yes. Dry needling works well alongside other physiotherapy treatments such as corrective exercise, manual therapy, posture training, and education. Combining therapies can enhance your recovery and long-term results.
If dry needling is provided by a registered physiotherapist, it is typically covered under private extended health benefits plans that include physiotherapy.
We recommend checking with your insurance provider for help with insurance questions. You're responsible for knowing your own insurance plan and what it covers. Read our insurance tips here.
Dry needling may be right for you if you have:
- chronic muscle tightness,
- myofascial pain, or
- limited range of motion (i.e. your painful and tight muscles are restricting how much you can move).
It is especially useful when other treatments like massage or stretching haven’t provided lasting relief.
If dry needling is provided by a registered physiotherapist, it is typically covered under extended health benefits that include physiotherapy. We recommend checking with your provider or calling our clinic for help with insurance questions.
Common side effects are minor and temporary, including mild muscle soreness, fatigue, or slight bruising at the needle site. Serious side effects are rare when the procedure is done by a trained physiotherapist.
Yes. Dry needling is often used in sports physiotherapy to treat overuse injuries, muscle imbalances, and post-exercise soreness. It can speed up recovery and help athletes return to training or competition more quickly.
There is little to no downtime after dry needling. Most people return to their normal daily activities right away. Some may experience mild soreness that resolves within a day.
Some of our patients report feeling tired after a dry needling session. Therefore, consider doing your intense physical activities before your first dry needling session, rather than after (although this is not mandatory).
To book dry needling at our Winnipeg clinic, call us or book online:
If you're not sure if dry needling is right for you and your condition, call us to book a FREE 15-minute phone consultation with a physiotherapist.
