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Dry needling for back pain
May help ease tight back muscles alongside a guided exercise programme.
Sports & spinal physiotherapy →Dry needling · Northcliff
Dry needling physio in Northcliff, Johannesburg
Tight, knotted muscles can keep pain going long after an injury, or build up quietly from stress, posture and long days at a desk. Dry needling is a hands-on technique your physio may use to help ease that muscle tightness, as one part of a plan that also gets you moving and strengthening.
No referralphysios are first-contact practitioners in SA
All medical aidswe submit for you
Part of a wider planWith exercise & hands-on care
Understanding the treatment
What is dry needling?
Dry needling uses very fine, sterile needles placed into tight bands or sensitive spots in a muscle, often called trigger points. It's called "dry" because nothing is injected.
It's based on a physiotherapy assessment of your muscles and how you move, and it's rarely used on its own. A dry needling physio will usually combine it with exercise, hands-on techniques and advice, so the benefits are more likely to last.
A common question
Dry needling vs acupuncture
Both use fine needles, so they're easy to confuse. The difference lies in the thinking behind them.
Dry needling
Based on Western anatomy and a physiotherapy assessment. Needles target specific tight or sensitive areas in muscles, as part of a wider rehab plan.
Acupuncture
Traditionally based on the principles of Chinese medicine, with needles placed along points and meridians. Some practitioners also use a Western medical approach.
Where it's used
Dry needling around the body
Your dry needling physio will check whether it suits you during your assessment. These are some of the areas it's commonly used for.
Neck
Dry needling for neck pain
Often used for tension through the neck and upper shoulders, an area Mandy has a special interest in.
Neck pain & headaches →Head
Dry needling for headaches
Can be part of care for headaches linked to tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Neck pain & headaches →Shoulder
Dry needling for shoulder pain
May help with tight muscles around the shoulder, combined with strengthening.
Bursitis & soft tissue →Jaw
Dry needling for TMJ
Sometimes used for tight jaw muscles as part of TMJ physiotherapy.
TMJ physiotherapy →Sport
Dry needling for muscle strains
Can support recovery from muscle strains and overuse, alongside a return-to-sport plan.
Bursitis & soft tissue →The approach
What a dry needling physio session involves
Assessment
Mandy assesses how you move and which muscles are involved, and checks that dry needling suits you.
Explain & agree
She explains what she plans to do and why. You decide whether you're comfortable going ahead.
Needling
Fine needles are placed for a short time. You may feel a brief prick, a dull ache or a small muscle twitch.
Movement & aftercare
Usually followed by exercise or hands-on treatment, plus advice for the next day or two.
Before your session
Is dry needling right for you?
Dry needling isn't suitable for everyone, and it's never compulsory. If you'd rather not have needles, there are other hands-on and exercise-based options.
Mild soreness in the treated area for a day or two afterwards is common. Mandy will talk you through what to expect.
What to expect
Your care at Northcliff Physiotherapy
Every session is one-on-one in a calm, home-based practice. Dry needling is one of several hands-on techniques Mandy may use, alongside myofascial release, joint mobilisation and strapping.
Your physiotherapist
Mandy (Amanda) Gossip
- BSc (Physiotherapy), UCT, 1995
- 25+ years' experience, in Johannesburg since 2000
- Special interest in the neck, TMJ and post-op care
- Practice no. 7231970
Questions people ask
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is based on Western anatomy and a physiotherapy assessment, and targets specific tight areas in muscles. Acupuncture is traditionally based on the principles of Chinese medicine. Both use fine needles.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel a brief prick as the needle goes in, and sometimes a dull ache or a small twitch in the muscle. It's usually short-lived, and you can ask Mandy to stop at any point.
How long does soreness last after dry needling?
Mild soreness in the treated area for a day or two is common. Mandy will give you aftercare advice, such as gentle movement, to help it settle.
How many dry needling physio sessions will I need?
It varies. Dry needling is usually one part of a wider treatment plan, and Mandy will discuss a realistic plan with you after your assessment.
Is a dry needling physio session covered by medical aid?
Northcliff Physiotherapy submits claims to all medical aids. How much is covered depends on your medical aid plan.
Ready when you are
Ease those tight muscles
If tight, sore muscles are holding you back, a proper assessment is the best first step. Book a one-on-one appointment with Mandy, your dry needling physio in Northcliff, and she'll work out whether it suits you.
- Phone087 551 1779
- Emailmandy@ncphysio.co.za
- Address11 Columbia Drive, Northcliff, Randburg, 2115
- ParkingSecure off-street parking
