What is dry needling?

Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment used to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve movement in the legs and feet. At Sole Wellness Podiatry, dry needling is used as an adjunct treatment, meaning it is combined with other therapies such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, shockwave therapy, taping, and orthotic management to achieve the best possible outcomes.

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Dry needling involves the insertion of very fine, sterile accupuncture needles into targeted areas of muscle, fascia, or connective tissue. These areas often contain myofascial trigger points or regions of increased tension that can contribute to pain, stiffness, and altered movement patterns.

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How dry needling works

The needle stimulates a local response within the tissue, helping to:

• Reduce excessive muscle tightness

• Improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation

• Decrease pain sensitivity

• Restore normal muscle activation and movement

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Dry needling does not involve medication or injections and works by stimulating the body’s natural healing responses.

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Common conditions dry needling is used for

At Sole Wellness Podiatry, dry needling may be used to support treatment for conditions affecting the lower limbs, including:

• Plantar heel pain / plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendon pain and calf tightness

• Chronic calf tightness or cramping

• Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

• Foot and ankle muscle strains

• Peroneal or tibialis muscle overload

• Forefoot pain related to muscular tension

• Knee pain

• Sports-related overuse injuries

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How dry needling differs from acupuncture

While both dry needling and acupuncture use fine, sterile needles, they differ significantly in their purpose and clinical approach.

 

Dry needling is based on modern anatomy, neurophysiology, and musculoskeletal science, and targets specific muscles, trigger points, and soft tissues identified during physical assessment. The goal is to reduce pain, muscle tension, and movement dysfunction related to injury or overload.

 

Acupuncture, by contrast, is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow (Qi) along meridians to influence overall health.

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What you may experience during + after treatment

Sensations during dry needling vary between individuals and treatment areas. You may experience:

• A mild prick as the needle is inserted

• A nerve-twinge like response, pressure, or twitch within the muscle

• A brief involuntary muscle contraction (known as a local twitch response)

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After treatment, it is common to feel:

• Temporary muscle soreness or heaviness

• Improved looseness or ease of movement

• Mild post-treatment discomfort similar to exercise soreness, usually settling within 24–48 hours

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When dry needling is applied under ultrasound observation, several physiological responses can be seen within the soft tissue, including:​

• Local twitch responses, where muscle fibres contract and release

• Changes in muscle texture and tension, with tissue appearing more relaxed after needling

• Increased local blood flow, indicating improved tissue circulation

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These changes help explain how dry needling can reduce pain and improve tissue function.

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Is dry needling right for you?

Dry needling is not suitable for everyone and is always performed following a thorough assessment. Your podiatrist will discuss whether it is appropriate for your condition, explain any risks, and ensure it fits safely within your overall treatment plan.

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Book an appointment with Sole Wellness Podiatry to find out whether dry needling may assist in managing your foot, ankle, or leg pain as part of a tailored podiatry treatment approach.