Dry needling is a gentle yet powerful procedure where a very fine, sterile needle is inserted directly into a myofascial trigger point, often called a muscle "knot". These trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in the muscle that can cause pain to radiate to other areas of your dog's body. By targeting these spots, the treatment helps break the cycle of pain and encourages the muscle to release and relax.

While both are wonderful, dry needling is often remarkably fast at creating positive changes in muscles and joints compared to massage alone. It allows us to reach deeper "contraction knots" that manual touch might not fully resolve. However, we still love massage because it is one of the best ways to help a dog release physical and emotional trauma that can sometimes get "stuck" in their fascia.

Yes, when performed by a trained professional following safe practices, it is a very safe and effective treatment. We use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles to ensure the highest level of hygiene. While there are rare risks if the procedure is done incorrectly (such as a punctured lung near the chest area), we are strictly trained on how to safely administer needles in these areas and will prioritise your dog’s safety above all else.

During the session, your dog might feel a brief sensation, which usually fades quickly as the muscle knot releases. You might even see an involuntary twitch in the muscle, which is a great sign that we’ve hit the right spot! After the session, it’s normal for some dogs to feel a bit fatigued, or relaxed and sleepy.

We just ask that your dog’s skin is clean; if they’ve been playing in the mud, a quick wash before the session is very helpful. During the session, we will keep a careful count of every needle used to ensure they are all accounted for and properly disposed of in a sharps container once we are finished.