Treatment Spotlight: Dry Needling & Shockwave Therapy
If you’ve been managing an injury that just won’t settle — or dealing with pain that keeps returning — you’re not alone.
Many musculoskeletal conditions can be stubborn, even with the right combination of rest, exercise, and hands-on treatment. In recent years, two newer therapies have gained attention for their role in tackling difficult cases: dry needling and shockwave therapy. These interventions have grown in popularity, thanks to promising clinical results and a growing body of research. While they work differently, both offer targeted, evidence-based options when standard approaches aren’t quite enough.
Dry Needling: Targeting Muscular Tension
Dry needling is a technique used to treat muscle tightness by inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points within the muscle — commonly referred to as “trigger points”. These sensitive areas of contracted fibres can cause localised pain, restrict movement, or even refer symptoms to other parts of the body.
The needles stimulate a twitch response — a brief, involuntary contraction, which may feel like a mild cramp. Anecdotally, this rapid change in tension appears to “reset” and restore normal muscle activity. The mechanisms are not fully understood, but research demonstrates associated biochemical and blood flow changes that may precipitate this effect.
Some moderate post-treatment soreness is common, but this typically resolves within 24– 48 hours, and many patients notice improved mobility and reduced discomfort even after a single session.
Dry needling can be helpful for a wide range of conditions, including muscle injuries, tendon issues and even joint pain — anything where increased muscular tension may be contributing to the symptoms.
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulating Tendon Healing
Shockwave therapy involves using a handheld device to deliver acoustic waves directly into the affected tissues. This physical stimulation is believed to increase blood flow and encourage the regeneration of healthy cells. The exact mechanism is debated, but having been used for decades for other problems (e.g., kidney stones), it appears to be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated intervention.
Shockwave sessions are generally short, lasting around five to ten minutes. You’ll feel a series of mechanical pulses — often described as tapping or flicking — which may cause mild discomfort, depending on the sensitivity of the
area. Most patients tolerate it well, and there's no need for rest or downtime afterwards. A course of treatment usually involves three to five sessions for best results.
Shockwave is particularly useful for problems that involve tendons and connective tissue, especially when symptoms have persisted for several months without improvement. Some common conditions where it may be helpful include Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and similar issues.
Finding the Optimal Approach
While both treatments can be effective on their own, the best clinicians will integrate them into a broader, individualised rehabilitation plan — one that addresses not just the symptoms, but the underlying causes of the issue.
That might include specific strengthening exercises, manual therapy, movement retraining, and load management — all tailored to your condition and goals. Shockwave and dry needling can assist with 'breaking the cycle' when progress has plateaued, but they’re most efficacious when applied with clinical reasoning, complementary interventions, and ongoing reassessment.
If you’re dealing with a condition that’s proving hard to shift, it’s worth seeking out a physiotherapist for expert advice. They'll provide a thorough assessment and prescribe the ideal combination of treatments to support your recovery.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised care.
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