Dry Needling in Riviera del Sol and Marbella
Dry needling (also known as medical acupuncture) uses fine, sterile needles to release myofascial trigger points, the tight knots within muscles that cause referred pain and restricted movement. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling is grounded in modern anatomy and neurophysiology. At Costa Health, it is used as part of a broader treatment plan alongside manual therapy and rehabilitation.
How Dry Needling Works
When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it creates a local twitch response that releases the taut band of muscle. This reduces pain signals, improves local blood flow, and allows the muscle to return to its normal resting length. At Costa Health, dry needling is rarely used in isolation. It is usually combined with hands-on therapy and exercise to address the underlying cause.
Trigger Point Release
Fine needles target the precise point of muscle tension, creating a twitch response that releases the tight band and reduces referred pain.
Part of a Wider Plan
Needling alone is not enough. Our practitioners combine it with manual therapy, mobilisation, and rehabilitation to address the root cause.
Evidence-Based Approach
Grounded in modern neurophysiology, not traditional meridian theory. Treatment targets specific anatomical structures identified through clinical assessment.
Conditions That Respond Well
Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions involving myofascial trigger points and chronic muscle tension.
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Deep muscle tension contributing to persistent neck and back pain. Needling releases trigger points that manual therapy alone may not reach.
Learn moreTension Headaches and Migraines
Trigger points in the neck, jaw, and shoulder muscles frequently contribute to headache patterns. Releasing them can significantly reduce frequency and intensity.
Learn moreShoulder and Rotator Cuff Pain
Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff irritation, and frozen shoulder often involve myofascial trigger points that respond well to needling.
Learn moreTennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow
Chronic forearm tension and elbow pain from overuse. Dry needling targets the specific muscles driving the problem.
Learn morePlantar Fasciitis
Trigger points in the calf and foot muscles contribute to plantar heel pain. Needling combined with stretching and load management produces lasting relief.
Learn moreSciatica and Referred Leg Pain
Gluteal and piriformis trigger points can mimic or worsen sciatic symptoms. Needling these points often provides rapid relief.
Learn more"I had been living with constant neck tension and headaches for months. After two sessions of dry needling combined with manual therapy, the headaches stopped. I wish I had come sooner."
Laura G.
Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry needling?
Dry needling uses fine, sterile needles to release myofascial trigger points, the tight knots within muscles that cause pain and restricted movement. Unlike traditional acupuncture, it is based on modern anatomy and neurophysiology. At Costa Health, it is usually used alongside manual therapy and rehabilitation.
How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture follows meridian theory and energy flow concepts from Chinese medicine. Dry needling targets specific anatomical trigger points identified through clinical assessment. Both use fine needles, but the underlying reasoning and treatment targets are different.
Does dry needling hurt?
You may feel a brief twitch or cramping sensation when the needle hits a trigger point, which is actually a good sign that the tight band is releasing. The needles are very fine, much thinner than injection needles. Most patients find the sensation manageable and the relief afterwards well worth it.
How quickly does dry needling work?
Many patients feel immediate relief in muscle tension and pain after the first session. Full benefit typically builds over 2-4 sessions as the underlying trigger points are systematically addressed alongside manual therapy and exercise.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes. All our practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles. Minor bruising or temporary soreness at the needle site is the most common side effect and typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
Which practitioners offer dry needling at Costa Health?
Six of our practitioners are trained in dry needling: Sarah Monaghan, Flora Muijzer, Paul Morrison, Richard Lake, Mihaela Blejusca, and Daniele Delicati. This means dry needling is available across chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, and sports therapy sessions.
Ready to Release the Tension?
Book your dry needling appointment at Costa Health. Our practitioners combine needling with hands-on therapy and rehabilitation for lasting results.
Available at Riviera del Sol & The Clubhouse Marbella