Dry needling helps release muscle tension that doesn't respond well to massage alone.

Very fine, sterile needles are placed into specific tight spots within the muscle, areas that can cause local pain, refer discomfort elsewhere, or limit how freely you can move. The needle creates a small response in the muscle that encourages it to relax and let go, in a way that sustained pressure often can't achieve on its own. It's particularly useful for things that have been going on a while and haven't fully shifted with other treatment.

I always use dry needling as part of a session, not on its own. It's applied where it's going to make the most difference and combined with massage or other hands-on work as needed.

It tends to work well for persistent neck and shoulder tension, lower back pain, headaches that seem to stem from tight muscles, and recurring tightness in the hips, calves, or hamstrings that doesn't clear up despite stretching or rest.

If you haven't tried it before, it's usually far more comfortable than people expect. You might feel a brief twitch or dull ache at the needle site, which is a normal response and passes quickly. I explain what to expect before starting and check in throughout. If it's not for you, that's completely fine.

Dry needling is available as part of a myotherapy or remedial massage session where it's a useful addition.