At Flood Street Physio, we specialise in evidence-based treatments that promote healing, restore function, and relieve pain. Dry needling is one of the many techniques we use to help our clients recover quickly, move freely and return to a comfortable flow of day to day life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dry needling, especially if you’re considering it in our clinic in Galway.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern, science-driven technique used by physiotherapists to relieve muscle pain and improve function. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific areas of the muscle known as trigger points. These are hyper-irritable spots that can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort in other parts of the body.
The term “dry” distinguishes the technique from injections as nothing is injected into the muscle, unlike wet needling (such as a cortisone injection). Instead, the needle itself stimulates the tissue and nervous system to trigger a healing response.
How Does It Work?
Trigger points form in muscles when there is overuse, poor posture, or repetitive strain. These tight bands of muscle can restrict blood flow, cause localised pain, or refer pain to other parts of the body.
When a needle is inserted into the trigger point:
- It can produce a local twitch response, which is an involuntary contraction of the muscle. This is a good sign, it means the muscle is reacting to the treatment.
- It helps release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and decrease inflammation.
- It resets the neuromuscular junction, essentially “rebooting” the muscle to work properly again.
The result? Less pain, better mobility, and faster healing.
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
While dry needling and acupuncture both involve the use of fine needles, they are fundamentally different in origin and purpose:
| Dry Needling | Acupuncture |
| Based on modern Western medicine and anatomy | Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine |
| Targets myofascial trigger points | Targets energy meridians (Qi) |
| Primarily used for muscle pain, dysfunction, and rehab | Used for a broader range of physical and emotional conditions |
At Flood Street Physio, dry needling is always used in conjunction with a full physiotherapy assessment. It’s never a standalone treatment, it’s part of a tailored plan built specifically around your injury, lifestyle, and goals.
Conditions That Can Benefit from Dry Needling
Dry needling is widely used to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions. If you’re in Galway and struggling with any of the following, dry needling could be an effective option:
- Back and neck pain
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries such as hamstring strains, calf tightness, or shin splints
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Hip and glute pain
- Shoulder pain (especially from rotator cuff dysfunction)
- Knee pain, including runners’ knee and patellar tracking issues
- Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome
If you’re unsure whether your specific issue can be treated with dry needling, a consultation in our Galway-based clinic will help clarify what’s best for you.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
Dry needling is a quick and relatively straightforward treatment. Here’s a brief overview of what happens at Flood Street Physio:
- Initial Assessment We always start with a full physiotherapy assessment to understand your symptoms, medical history, and movement patterns. This ensures dry needling is both safe and appropriate for your case.
- Needle Insertion Using sterile, single-use needles, we gently insert them into the target muscle. You may feel a slight twitch or mild cramping sensation. That’s the muscle releasing.
- Aftercare Post-treatment, it’s normal to feel some soreness or heaviness in the area for 24–48 hours, much like after an intense workout. We’ll provide stretching, hydration, and movement advice to help you recover quickly.
Most patients report a noticeable improvement within just a few sessions, especially when dry needling is combined with manual therapy and corrective exercises.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes. When performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner, dry needling is a very safe technique. At Flood Street Physio, our therapists are fully trained in dry needling protocols and use the highest standards of hygiene and care. We’ll also talk through any precautions before starting, especially if you have needle phobias, bleeding disorders, or are pregnant.
Why Choose Flood Street Physio for Dry Needling in Galway?
- Experienced Professionals: Our team has extensive experience in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions using dry needling, manual therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: We never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Your treatment plan will be specific to your body, goals, and lifestyle.
- Evidence-Based Care: Our treatments are grounded in the latest clinical research and best practices in physiotherapy.
- Convenient Galway Location: Located in the heart of Galway City, we’re easily accessible whether you’re coming from work, home, or college.
You’ll also benefit from the broader range of services we offer, such as sports physio, manual therapy, and rehabilitation programs, which can be integrated with your dry needling plan for optimal results.
Real People. Real Results.
Many of our clients who have undergone dry needling have experienced rapid improvements in mobility, strength, and quality of life. Whether you’re a desk worker with neck tension or a runner with recurring calf pain, dry needling can offer fast and effective relief.
Book Your Dry Needling Appointment in Galway Today
If you’re dealing with muscle pain, tightness, or restricted movement, dry needling could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our experienced team at Flood Street Physio in Galway is here to help you get back to feeling your best.
Book your appointment today to start your personalised treatment journey and experience the benefits of dry needling first-hand.
