What should I expect in my first appointment?

Your first visit will be 55 minutes and includes a comprehensive assessment of your condition, medical history, and movement patterns. Your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Do you accept extended health insurance?

Yes! We offer direct billing for 25+ insurance providers including Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sunlife, and more. Check our full list or contact us at info@ateasephysio.ca.

How do I book an appointment?

Book online through our Jane App booking system, call us at 604-923-8323, or visit us in person at Morgan Crossing.

Pain & Musculoskeletal Health

Dry Needling

Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain

Book Appointment Call (604) 923-8323

Physiotherapist performing dry needling treatment on patient at At Ease Physio in South Surrey

Best For

Chronic muscle tension, trigger points, sports injuries

Session

30-55 minutes

Typical Course

3-6 sessions

Coverage

Extended health benefits (physiotherapy)

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, solid filament needles to target specific trigger points within your muscles. Unlike injections, no medication is delivered through the needle—hence the name “dry” needling.

When inserted into a trigger point or taut band of muscle tissue, the needle creates a local twitch response that helps:

Release tension and reduce pain
Restore normal muscle function
Increase blood flow to the area
Reduce local inflammation
Promote the release of your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals

For residents of South Surrey, White Rock, Langley, and Ocean Park dealing with persistent muscle tension, dry needling offers a targeted approach that can reach deep tissue that other treatments simply cannot access.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

While both techniques use similar needles, they are fundamentally different:

Acupuncture — Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on balancing energy flow along meridians throughout your body
Dry needling — Based on Western medical principles, specifically targets the musculoskeletal system—focusing on anatomical trigger points, muscle dysfunction, and neuromuscular patterns

At At Ease Physio, our physiotherapists use dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that often integrates manual therapy and exercise prescription, tailored to your specific needs.

How It Helps

Releases Tight Muscle Knots

Creates mechanical disruption that helps contracted muscle fibers relax and return to their normal resting length

Reduces Chronic Pain

Deactivates trigger points that cause referred pain patterns affecting areas far from the original problem

Improves Range of Motion

Decreased muscle tension leads to improved mobility in affected joints and surrounding tissues

Speeds Sports Recovery

Athletes benefit from faster healing times and quicker return to training

Decreases Headache Frequency

Addresses trigger points in neck and shoulder muscles that commonly contribute to tension headaches and migraines

Reaches Deep Muscle Pain

Accesses muscles that lie beneath superficial tissue when other manual techniques fall short

Conditions We Treat

Chronic neck and back pain Tension headaches and migraines Sports injuries and muscle strains Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues Hip and gluteal pain, including piriformis syndrome Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow Plantar fasciitis and foot pain TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain Sciatica and radiating leg pain Post-surgical muscle tightness Repetitive strain injuries

What to Expect

Assessment

Your physiotherapist evaluates your movement patterns, posture, and areas of pain, identifying specific trigger points and taut bands through palpation to create a targeted treatment plan.

Treatment

Thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points, creating a twitch response that releases muscle tension. You may feel brief pressure or aching followed by immediate relaxation.

Recovery

Expect muscle soreness for 24-48 hours post-treatment. Your physiotherapist may recommend gentle stretching, heat application, or light activity to support healing.

Who Is This For?

This treatment may be right for you if you:

Athletes recovering from training or injury

People with chronic muscle tension from desk work or computer use

Those who haven't found lasting relief with massage alone

Individuals with persistent trigger points or muscle knots

Patients preparing for or recovering from surgery

Those experiencing referred pain patterns from distant trigger points

Why Choose At Ease Physio?

Specialized Training

Our team has completed advanced training in anatomical dry needling with extensive knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy to ensure safe, effective treatment.

Comprehensive Approach

We integrate dry needling with hands-on manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education for lasting results.

Evidence-Based Practice

Our techniques are grounded in current research and clinical best practices.

Safe, Sterile Technique

We follow strict hygiene protocols and use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch when the needle enters the skin, followed by a deep aching or pressure sensation when the trigger point is reached. The twitch response can feel like a brief muscle cramp but typically lasts only a second or two. Our physiotherapists work at your pace and adjust their technique based on your comfort level.

While both techniques use thin needles, they're based on different principles. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance energy flow along meridians. Dry needling is based on Western medical science and specifically targets trigger points, muscle dysfunction, and the neuromuscular system based on anatomical knowledge.

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, symptom duration, and how your body responds. Some patients experience significant relief after just one or two sessions, while chronic conditions may require treatment over several weeks. Many patients notice improvement within three to four sessions.

The most common side effect is temporary muscle soreness, similar to post-exercise soreness, which typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Some patients may experience minor bruising at needle insertion sites. Serious side effects are rare when dry needling is performed by trained professionals.

Dry needling performed by a registered physiotherapist is typically covered under your extended health benefits as part of physiotherapy treatment. Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and any limits on physiotherapy visits. Our clinic can provide receipts and documentation to support your claims.