Dry Needling & Acupuncture in Kitchener for Muscle Pain & Trigger Points

Dry needling targets specific myofascial trigger points using a Western, anatomy-based approach to release muscle tension and reduce pain. Traditional acupuncture is rooted in a broader system of points along the body. Both use thin, sterile, single-use filament needles, and we tailor the approach to your presentation and preference.

Most patients feel a brief, dull ache or a muscle twitch response as the needle reaches a trigger point, which typically settles quickly. Some mild soreness afterward, similar to a workout, is common and usually resolves within a day or two.

This depends on how long you’ve had symptoms and how your body responds to treatment. Many patients notice a difference within the first few sessions, while chronic or long-standing issues may benefit from a longer course of treatment alongside exercise.

When delivered as part of a physiotherapy treatment plan, dry needling and acupuncture are typically covered under your physiotherapy benefits, including most extended health plans and WSIB claims. We offer direct billing and can help confirm your coverage before your first visit.

Dry needling and acupuncture are generally very safe when performed by a trained Registered Physiotherapist. The most common effect is mild, short-lived soreness or slight bruising at the treatment site. Your physiotherapist will review your health history to confirm the technique is appropriate for you.

Needle depth depends on the muscle being treated and your body type, ranging from just under the skin to several centimetres for deeper muscles. Your physiotherapist selects a depth appropriate to your anatomy and the trigger point being targeted.

This varies by technique. Some needles are inserted and removed within seconds, while others may be left in place for several minutes, sometimes with gentle stimulation, depending on your treatment goals.

Light activity is usually fine, but we generally recommend avoiding intense exercise on the treated muscles for the rest of the day, since some soreness is common. Your physiotherapist will give you guidance specific to your session.

Most patients are able to drive themselves home after treatment. Occasionally a treated muscle may feel temporarily tender or fatigued, so let your physiotherapist know if you have any concerns before you leave.

Loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated works best — for example, shorts for a calf or hamstring issue, or a looser top for neck and shoulder treatment.

Dry needling can help address the muscle tension and guarding that often accompanies frozen shoulder, usually alongside manual therapy and a graded mobility and strengthening program to address the joint stiffness itself.

A brief twitch response occurs when the needle reaches an overactive trigger point, causing a small involuntary contraction. This is considered a positive sign that the needle has located the target tissue and typically settles quickly.

Mild, localized bruising is a normal and generally harmless response in some patients, particularly around more vascular areas. It typically resolves within a few days, similar to a minor bump.

IMS, or intramuscular stimulation, is closely related to dry needling and uses the same thin filament needles to target overactive muscle. Some clinicians use the terms interchangeably, while others use IMS to describe needling combined with active movement. We tailor the specific approach to your presentation.