Dry Needling Edmonton

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Dry Needling Therapy Edmonton

Dry Needling

West Henday Physical Therapy

Ever wonder why that stubborn muscle knot just won’t go away—no matter how much you stretch or massage it?
If tight muscles, poor posture, or chronic pain are slowing you down, dry needling in Edmonton could be the missing piece in your recovery.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we offer dry needling, also known as Intramuscular Stimulation(IMS) as a targeted approach to relieve muscle tension, improve alignment, and help you move and feel better—without relying on medication or invasive treatments.

Dry Needling Session: What to Expect

Acupuncture is a safe, gentle, and time-tested therapy that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into particular points on the body. These points are connected to energy pathways, muscles, and the nervous system, helping to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, acupuncture treatment is provided in a calm, one-on-one setting. We take time to understand your symptoms and goals before beginning, and we often combine acupuncture with other treatments—like physiotherapy or manual therapy—for well-rounded care.

Whether you’re trying acupuncture for the first time or looking for ongoing support, we adapt each session to meet you where you are.

Preparation

Each session begins with a complete assessment to determine which muscles are contributing to discomfort or dysfunctional movement. Once those areas are identified:
  • The treatment area is gently cleaned.
  • The patient is guided into a relaxed, comfortable position to ensure the body remains at ease throughout the process.
  • Specific muscles are selected for treatment based on posture, movement, and physical feedback.

Needle Insertion

Once the area is ready:
  • A sterile needle, which will be thin, is inserted into the targeted trigger point.
  • Patients may notice a brief muscle twitch or mild pressure—this is often a sign the muscle is responding.
  • The sensation is typically short-lived, and most patients find it manageable, especially once they feel the tension begin to ease.

Post-Treatment Care

After the needling:
  • The therapist offers guidance on light stretches and controlled movement to maintain flexibility.
  • Hydration is encouraged to help the body recover smoothly.
  • Gentle exercises may be recommended between sessions to support continued improvement and prevent tightness from returning.

Conditions Addressed with Dry Needling in Edmonton

Dry needling at West Henday Physical Therapy is tailored to suit a broad range of physical concerns. Common reasons people seek this treatment include:

Muscle Tension and Tightness

Targeting deep-seated knots in areas such as the neck, upper back, shoulders, or calves—especially those causing dull aches or movement restriction.

Postural Strain

Tension in certain muscle groups can pull the body out of alignment. Dry needling works to release those overworked muscles, helping restore a more natural posture and reduce fatigue during daily tasks.

Recovery After Injury

As part of a broader recovery plan, dry needling helps release lingering tightness that often follows soft tissue injuries, surgeries, or immobilization. It supports smoother movement and allows other therapies to work more effectively.

Headaches and Jaw Tension

Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and in the facial region can contribute to tension, headaches, or jaw clenching. Dry needling can reduce muscle pressure in these areas to relieve symptoms.

Hip and Pelvic Discomfort

Issues like piriformis syndrome, pelvic alignment imbalances, or lower back tightness can stem from tight muscles around the hips. Needling helps release pressure and restore movement in this region.

Sports and Activity-Related Strain

Runners, weightlifters, and active individuals often develop tension in the calves, hamstrings, or shoulders. Dry needling helps release overused areas so they can move more freely and recover better between workouts.

Integration with Other Therapies

To maximize the effectiveness of dry needling, it is often combined with other therapeutic approaches offered at the clinic:​

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues.

Exercise Therapy

Customized specific exercises to strengthen muscles and enhance flexibility.

Postural Training

Education and exercises aimed at improving posture and preventing future issues.

By incorporating dry needling into a holistic treatment plan, West Henday Physical Therapy aims to provide patients with effective relief from muscle tension and support their journey toward improved movement and well-being.

Safety & Hygiene: What to Know

Your safety is always a top priority at West Henday Physical Therapy. Each dry needling session is delivered with care, precision, and strict attention to cleanliness and comfort.

Sterile, Single-Use Needles

Every needle used during dry needling is brand new, sterile, and disposed of immediately after treatment. Nothing is reused, and all tools are handled in a hygienic environment that follows regulated protocols.

Clean Needling Techniques

Physiotherapists providing dry needling in Edmonton are trained in clean needle procedures. Hands are sanitized, gloves are worn when appropriate, and treatment areas are prepared before each insertion to minimize the risk of irritation or infection.

Minimal Risk, Clear Communication

While dry needling is generally well-tolerated, any potential side effects—such as mild soreness or bruising—are discussed ahead of time. Individuals are encouraged to ask questions and also to share their concerns so they feel fully informed before beginning treatment.

Personalized Pre-Treatment Screening

Before your first session, the physiotherapist will review your health history, assess your comfort level, and determine whether dry needling is the right fit for your goals and condition. No step is rushed—everything is designed to help you feel safe and confident throughout your care.

Supporting Whole-Body Alignment

At West Henday Physical Therapy, dry needling isn’t used in isolation—it’s often paired with movement therapy, stretching, and postural training to support long-lasting change. Whether it’s dry needling for posture correction, muscle tension relief, or injury support, the goal is always to help the body work more efficiently without excess stress or strain.

This service is also suitable for individuals working through chronic muscle tightness, rehabilitation or those looking to improve movement patterns as part of their wellness journey.

Common Questions from Patients

Some people feel looser right away, while others notice improvement over the next 24–48 hours.

Most people describe the sensation as a quick twitch or mild ache. The discomfort is temporary and usually followed by a feeling of release.

No. While both use fine needles, dry needling targets muscle trigger points for pain relief and improved movement, whereas acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles.

 

This depends on the condition being treated. Some patients need a few sessions, while others benefit from dry needling as part of ongoing care.

Yes, dry needling for posture targets overactive or tight muscles, which contributes to poor alignment and allows for more natural posture during sitting, standing, and walking.

acupuncture treatment

Start Feeling Better with Dry Needling in Edmonton

At West Henday Physical Therapy, dry needling is integrated into your care in a safe, supportive setting—whether it’s to reduce stiffness, support recovery, or improve how you move every day.

Let’s help muscles move better so the rest of the body can follow.