Dry Needling

Some muscles hold on tighter than others. When a knot or trigger point will not release with stretching, massage or exercise alone, dry needling can help get to it directly. It is a precise, evidence-informed technique our physiotherapists use to release tight bands of muscle, calm irritated tissue and get you moving more comfortably, and it works especially well as part of a full physiotherapy plan rather than on its own.

What dry needling is

Dry needling uses a very fine, sterile, single-use needle placed directly into a tight band of muscle, often called a trigger point. There is no medication involved, which is where the name comes from: the needle is "dry". The goal is to prompt the muscle to release, improve local blood flow and reduce the pain that comes with a muscle that has been guarding for weeks or months.

Most people feel a brief cramp or twitch as the muscle lets go, then a noticeable easing afterward. It is quick, and it is usually one part of a visit rather than the whole visit.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

They use similar needles, but they come from different places. Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and works with points along the body’s meridians to support overall balance and wellbeing. Dry needling comes out of Western musculoskeletal practice and targets a specific muscle that is not behaving, based on a physiotherapy assessment of how you move.

We offer both at Radius, so if one is a better fit for what you are dealing with, we will tell you honestly. Some people benefit from a combination.

What dry needling can help with

Our physiotherapists commonly use dry needling for:

• Neck and shoulder tension, including desk-related tightness
• Low back pain and stubborn hip or glute tightness
• Headaches linked to neck and jaw muscle tension
• Sports injuries such as calf, hamstring and rotator cuff strains
• Tendon-related pain, including tennis elbow and Achilles issues
• Plantar foot pain and calf tightness
• Chronic muscle tightness that keeps coming back after treatment

What to expect at your appointment

Dry needling at Radius is always delivered by a licensed physiotherapist with additional certification in the technique. Both of our co-owners hold it. Alex Barrett completed his dry needling training through SMART Seminars, alongside further training in chronic pain management, manual therapy and sports medicine. Olivia Grimshaw is certified in Biomedical Dry Needling through post-graduate study.

Your appointment starts with an assessment, because we need to know which muscle is actually driving your symptoms before we needle anything. If dry needling makes sense, we will explain exactly what we are doing and get your consent first. Nothing happens by surprise.

The needling itself takes only a few minutes. Afterward it is normal to feel some mild soreness, a bit like the day after a good workout, and that usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. We will send you off with the movement or exercise work that makes the release stick, because releasing a muscle without changing what tightened it is only half the job.

There is no separate dry needling appointment to book. Book a physiotherapy appointment and tell us dry needling is what you are after, and we will make sure you are with a certified therapist.

Why book dry needling at Radius

Dry needling is a tool, not a treatment plan. What makes it work is the assessment around it, and that is where our team spends its time. Because our physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturist all work under one roof, we can combine approaches when it makes sense and keep your care coordinated instead of scattered across three clinics.

You will also see the same therapist visit to visit, which means someone who actually remembers your history and can tell whether you are progressing.

Coverage and billing

Dry needling is done inside a regular physiotherapy appointment, so it is covered the same way your physiotherapy visit is under most extended health plans. We direct bill most insurance companies, so in most cases you pay only your portion at the end of the visit. No referral is needed to see a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia. If you are not sure what your plan covers, give us a call and we will help you sort it out.

Common questions

Does dry needling hurt? Most people describe a quick cramp or twitch rather than a sharp pain. It is brief, and the relief afterward is what people remember.

How many sessions will I need? It depends on how long the issue has been there. Many people notice a change after one or two sessions, and we will always give you a straight answer about whether it is helping.

Do I need a referral? No. Physiotherapy is direct access in Nova Scotia, so you can book with us directly.

Is it safe? Yes, when performed by a certified physiotherapist. We use sterile, single-use needles and we will go through the small risks and your health history with you before starting.

Ready to release what is holding you back?

Book a physiotherapy appointment online in a few clicks, or call us at 902-864-4555. If dry needling is what you are after, book with Alex, or mention it when you call and we will make sure you are with a certified therapist.