NORTHSTAR PHYSIOTHERAPY · CAMBRIAN HEIGHTS
Dry Needling in Cambrian Heights · NW Calgary
Private appointments. One-on-one care with Chris.
Dry needling may help ease muscle pain and make movement more comfortable.
At Northstar Physiotherapy, it’s one treatment option within a plan built around your symptoms, preferences and goals.
Sterile, single-use needles
Your comfort and choice matter
Work directly with Chris
ON THIS PAGE
UNDERSTANDING THE TREATMENT
Dry needling uses a thin, solid needle inserted through the skin into selected muscles. It is often used to treat sensitive areas commonly called trigger points, which can feel tender and sometimes produce pain elsewhere.
The needles are sterile and used once. The word “dry” means that no medication or other substance is injected.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is thought to work through a combination of effects on local tissues and the nervous system’s processing of pain. This may reduce muscle tenderness and make movement feel easier. The exact mechanisms are still being studied.
Research supports short-term pain relief for some muscle and joint conditions. Results vary, and the evidence for lasting benefits is less certain. At Northstar, the aim is to use any symptom relief to help you move, exercise and progress your rehabilitation.
How does dry needling work?
WHEN IT MAY BE USEFUL
What can dry needling help with?
Pain
Muscle Spasms
Improving Range of Motion
Trigger Points
Its usefulness depends on the condition and your assessment findings. Evidence is stronger for short-term pain relief than for lasting improvements in strength or function, so treatment usually also includes exercise, education and guidance on activity.
DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT
You are in control, you can ask to pause or stop at any time.
You may feel a brief pinprick as the needle enters the skin, although some people barely notice it. Within the muscle, you might feel a deep ache, pressure or a short cramping sensation. Sometimes the muscle briefly twitches.
The sensation varies depending on the area being treated and how sensitive it is. Chris will check in throughout treatment, and you can ask to pause or stop at any time.
Afterwards, the muscle may feel sore, similar to how it feels after exercise. This usually settles within a day or two. Some people notice relief quickly; others notice little change. Your response helps guide whether needling is worth continuing.
What is dry needling?
AN INFORMED CHOICE
Is dry needling safe?
Benefits, risks and alternatives
discussed before treatment.
Dry needling is generally well tolerated. Temporary muscle soreness, minor bleeding or bruising can occur, and some people feel light-headed. Rare, more serious complications are also possible.
Before treatment, Chris will review your health history and discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternatives relevant to your care. You’ll have time to ask questions and decide whether you want to proceed.
Dry needling is always optional, and you can ask to pause or stop at any time.
Read more about dry needling risks and consent from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.
THE NORTHSTAR APPROACH
How does it fit into physiotherapy at Northstar?
Your appointment starts with an assessment to understand your symptoms and what you want to get back to doing. Chris is trained in both functional and biomedical dry needling and may recommend it alongside exercise, manual therapy and practical activity advice.
Dry needling is always optional. You can choose other treatment approaches, and you can change your mind at any point.
Chris Coupal, MScPT
Registered Physiotherapist · Northstar Physiotherapy
