Dry Needling Singapore:
Relief for Chronic Muscle Pain

Yes, it is very safe when performed by trained professionals. At City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy, our practitioners are fully licensed and follow strict hygiene protocols. We use only sterile, single use, disposable needles to ensure patient safety.<

Dry needling can cause some discomfort or pain during the treatment, but the level of pain can vary depending on individual sensitivity, the areas being treated, and the skill of the practitioner. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Needle insertion: When the thin needles are inserted into the skin and underlying muscles, you may experience a brief sensation similar to a pinprick or mosquito bite. Most people describe this sensation as mild or moderate discomfort, but it is usually tolerable.
2. Twitch response: Dry needling aims to elicit a local muscle twitch response, which can sometimes cause a brief, intense sensation. This twitch response may feel like a cramp or muscle spasm and can be momentarily uncomfortable.

It’s important to communicate with your healthcare professional during the dry needling session. They can adjust the treatment technique or needle placement if the discomfort is excessive. Additionally, they can provide guidance on managing any post-treatment soreness or discomfort that may arise

After your session, you might feel some muscle soreness, similar to the feeling after a heavy gym workout. This is a normal part of the healing process. To manage this:

• Stay well hydrated to help flush out toxins.
• Apply gentle heat if the area feels particularly stiff.
• Perform the light stretches recommended by your therapist. Minor bruising or a small spot of bleeding at the insertion site can occur but is usually temporary.

While some patients feel an immediate improvement, most require a short course of treatment to see lasting changes. For acute injuries, 2 to 4 sessions are often sufficient. For more chronic, long standing issues, a longer term plan might be necessary. Your therapist will provide a clear roadmap during your initial consultation.

We generally recommend avoiding high intensity or strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day after your treatment. Light movement, such as walking or gentle stretching, is encouraged to keep the blood flowing and reduce post treatment soreness.

Many private health insurance plans in Singapore cover dry needling when it is performed as part of a physiotherapy or osteopathy session. We recommend checking with your specific provider to confirm your level of coverage for these services.