What dry needling actually does

Fine needles, tight muscles and a twitch that surprises everyone. An honest look at when it helps and when it does not.

Mikael Lindgren

, 1 min read, in treatment

A birch tray with fine needles, a folded cloth and a small ceramic dish

Dry needling is one of the treatments people ask me about most, usually with a mix of curiosity and worry. Here is what it is, without the hype.

What happens

I find a tight band in the muscle by hand and place a fine, single use needle into it for a few seconds. When the needle reaches the right spot, the muscle often twitches and then lets go.

What it does

The needle seems to reset the sensitivity of the muscle and the nerves around it. Pain eases and movement improves, often within the session. It is a door opener, not a cure on its own.

When it helps

  • Long standing neck and shoulder tension
  • Tension headaches that start at the base of the skull
  • Tight glutes and hips in runners

When it does not

It will not fix a back that needs strength, or a knee that needs load. That is why I always pair it with exercise, and why I will not suggest it if I do not think it will help.

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