Dry Needling for Trigger Points and Referred Pain

Not all pain that spreads into an arm or leg is nerve pain!

Muscles and other tissues can also refer pain away from its source. Tender muscle areas, often called trigger points, may reproduce familiar pain elsewhere in the body. A physiotherapy assessment helps distinguish muscle-related referred pain from nerve involvement and other causes.

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling uses thin, sterile needles to target selected muscles without injecting medication and may or may not cause Local Twitch response. It may influence local tissue responses and the nervous system’s processing of pain.

What is a local twitch response (LTR)?

A **local twitch response** is a brief, involuntary contraction of muscle fibres that can occur during needling. You may feel a quick muscle jump, a short cramp, or a deep ache. This is a reflex response rather than a voluntary movement.

What does treatment feel like?

You may feel a small prick when the needle enters, followed by pressure, aching, or a brief twitch. Sometimes treatment reproduces your familiar referred pain. Tell your physiotherapist about sharp, burning, or electric sensations so they can adjust or stop treatment. You can withdraw consent at any time.

What should I expect afterward?

Temporary muscle soreness, minor bruising, or a small amount of bleeding can occur. Soreness commonly settles within a day or two, although responses vary. Your physiotherapist will provide advice about gentle movement, exercise, and returning to activity.

Contact your clinician if pain is worsening or you develop redness, swelling, or fever. **Seek urgent medical care for chest pain or shortness of breath after needling**, particularly around the neck, shoulder, or chest, because a punctured lung is a rare but serious complication.

At LifeCare Physiotherapy, dry needling may be offered alongside exercises, manual therapy, and education following an assessment and with your consent. The goal is to help you move comfortably and progress toward your rehabilitation goals.