Physiotherapy is an essential part of modern healthcare, focusing on restoring movement, function, and overall quality of life. As physiotherapy continues to evolve, various advanced techniques have been incorporated into treatment protocols to provide quicker and more effective relief. One such evidence-informed technique is dry needling—a method gaining significant recognition worldwide for its effectiveness in addressing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City, dry needling is now an integral part of our physiotherapy services. Guided by our licensed and skilled physiotherapist Ms. Rose Mary P, we incorporate this technique to support recovery and improve outcomes for patients dealing with pain, stiffness, or muscular limitations.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses very thin, sterile filiform needles to penetrate the skin and target myofascial trigger points—tight bands or knots in the muscle that can cause pain or restrict mobility. Despite its superficial resemblance to acupuncture, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine principles, focusing on anatomical and physiological dysfunctions.
Unlike acupuncture, which follows Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to balance energy (Qi), dry needling is purely based on musculoskeletal anatomy and aims to release muscle tightness, relieve pain, and improve function. At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai, dry needling is recommended for individuals suffering from chronic muscle pain, tension, or sports-related injuries.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
To understand dry needling, it’s important to grasp the concept of trigger points—hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle. These points can cause localized pain and even refer pain to other areas of the body. When a dry needle is inserted into these points, it stimulates a local twitch response, which helps in resetting the dysfunctional motor end plates in the muscle.
This micro-trauma causes a healing cascade that improves blood circulation, reduces chemical irritants in the muscle, and helps release tight bands. The overall neuromuscular effect includes:
- Reduction in pain signals to the brain
- Enhanced flexibility and muscle function
- Rebalancing of dysfunctional muscle patterns
Our physiotherapist Rose Mary P at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City is proficient in identifying these trigger points through a detailed musculoskeletal assessment and skillfully applying dry needling to maximize therapeutic benefit.
Benefits of Dry Needling in Physiotherapy
Dry needling is not just about pain relief—it supports full recovery by addressing the root causes of muscle dysfunction. It is often used alongside other physiotherapy modalities for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Key Benefits:
- Effective pain relief in both acute and chronic conditions
- Restoration of mobility and range of motion
- Improved muscle activation for better physical performance
- Faster healing and rehabilitation when combined with exercise therapy and manual techniques
Conditions commonly treated at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic:
- Mechanical neck and back pain
- Shoulder dysfunction (impingement, rotator cuff issues)
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Sciatica and lower limb nerve-related pain
- Muscle tightness, spasms, and overuse injuries
At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai, patients have experienced significant improvement in these conditions under the care of Rose Mary P, who integrates dry needling into her personalized rehabilitation plans.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
When you book a physiotherapy session with Ms. Rose Mary P at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City, your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment. Rose Mary evaluates your medical history, movement patterns, and musculoskeletal condition to determine if dry needling is appropriate for your case.
During the session:
- The targeted area is cleaned and prepped
- A fine, sterile needle is inserted into the trigger point
- Patients may feel a slight twitch, tingling, or dull ache, which is a normal therapeutic response
- The entire process is quick, safe, and relatively painless
Post-treatment, it’s common to experience mild soreness, similar to a post-workout feeling, which usually resolves within 24–48 hours.
At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic, strict hygiene and DHA-approved safety protocols are followed to ensure patient safety. Rose Mary’s professional training in dry needling and muscle palpation, along with her compassionate approach, ensures a comfortable and confident experience for each patient.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Dry needling is a safe and well-regulated technique, especially when administered by qualified physiotherapists with proper training and licensure. At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City, we follow strict medical guidelines and sterilization protocols to ensure patient safety.
Most patients experience minimal side effects, such as:
- Mild soreness in the treated area (lasting 24–48 hours)
- Occasional bruising or localized tenderness
These symptoms are typically short-lived and are a normal response as the body initiates the healing process.
It’s crucial that dry needling is performed only by licensed professionals. Our physiotherapist Rose Mary P is certified in dry needling and muscle palpation and holds a valid license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Her deep anatomical understanding and experience ensure that every session is safe, effective, and tailored to each patient’s condition.
Dry Needling in Action at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai
At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic, dry needling is not a standalone solution—it is seamlessly integrated into holistic physiotherapy treatment plans. Each patient receives a full musculoskeletal assessment before any technique is applied, ensuring precision in both diagnosis and treatment.
Under the expert guidance of Rose Mary P, dry needling is combined with:
- Manual therapy
- Corrective exercise routines
- Postural training
- Electrotherapy (when needed)
This integrative approach has helped many patients overcome persistent pain and movement limitations. One anonymized case involved a patient with chronic upper back tension and migraines, unresponsive to standard therapy. After three dry needling sessions paired with posture correction exercises, the patient reported substantial pain reduction and improved mobility.
Rose Mary’s experience and patient-centric approach continue to deliver real-world results—helping individuals reclaim their strength, flexibility, and comfort.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Dry Needling?
Dry needling is beneficial for a wide range of individuals, especially those dealing with muscular dysfunction or unresolved pain. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Suffer from chronic muscular pain or tightness
- Are recovering from a sports injury or overuse syndrome
- Have experienced limited progress with conventional therapies
- Are seeking targeted release of trigger points for improved function
At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City, Rose Mary P conducts a detailed consultation to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your specific condition.
When to Avoid Dry Needling
While dry needling is safe for most, there are specific situations where caution—or complete avoidance—is advised. You should not undergo dry needling if you:
- Have bleeding or clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia or on blood thinners)
- Experience severe needle phobia or anxiety
- Are pregnant (especially in certain areas of the body)
- Have an active skin infection or wound at the treatment site
That’s why we prioritize a comprehensive assessment before every procedure at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic. Rose Mary P ensures that each treatment is both medically appropriate and aligned with your overall health and recovery goals.
Book Your Dry Needling Appointment in Dubai
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle stiffness, or limited mobility, dry needling could be the solution you’ve been looking for. We invite you to schedule a physiotherapy consultation with Ms. Rose Mary P at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City.
Located in the heart of Dubai Healthcare City, our clinic is equipped with the latest therapeutic tools and a compassionate team ready to support your recovery.
To summarise, Dry needling is a powerful physiotherapy technique that offers targeted relief from pain, tension, and muscular dysfunction. At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic – Dubai Healthcare City, we are proud to offer this advanced service as part of our integrative care model.
Under the professional guidance of physiotherapist Rose Mary P, our patients benefit from safe, personalized, and effective treatment plans that go beyond symptom relief—helping them return to the activities they love.
Take the first step toward a pain-free life. Book your appointment today and experience the difference that expert physiotherapy can make.