Dry Needling

At Ascend Health, we offer dry needling as part of our comprehensive approach to pain relief within our injury rehabilitation programming. Dry needling is a technique used by our skilled  physiotherapists and chiropractor to target muscle trigger points, which can cause pain and limit functional mobility.

Dry needling can help decrease muscle tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce pain. 

What is dry needling?

Dry needling involves the insertion of very fine, sterile filament needles into trigger points  within the muscle. This technique can release muscle tension and reduce pain. Unlike  acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on a modern  Western anatomical and neurophysiological approach.

Common Conditions Treated

• Generalized Muscle tightness and tension 
• Tendonitis 
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Shoulder Impingement
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Sciatica 
• Whiplash 
• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic pain conditions

What to Expect

During your session, our physiotherapist or chiropractor will assess your condition to determine if dry needling is appropriate for you. The treatment involves the insertion of needles into specific trigger points in the muscle. You may feel a mild muscle twitch or sensation during treatment, followed by relief as the muscle relaxes.

After treatment, some soreness is common and typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Most clients notice improvement in their symptoms when dry needling is used in conjunction with active rehabilitation techniques such as mobility and resistance exercises.

Benefits of Dry Needling

  • Pain Relief


    It can help reduce acute and chronic pain caused by conditions such as neck  pain, back pain, headaches and sport injuries. 

  • Improved Mobility


    It reduces the perception of muscle tightness, allowing for greater  range of motion. 

  • Enhanced Performance:


    It helps athletes address muscle imbalances, allowing them to perform at their best.