Dry needling
PilotTap a region to see its muscles.
No muscles match your search.
Pilot content covers 12 muscles. Illustrations are schematic and still need checking against an anatomy atlas.
Before you start
This dry needling guide is for qualified clinicians only who have completed recognised dry needling training and are permitted to needle in their jurisdiction. It does not replace training, supervision or clinical judgement.
Pneumothorax warning
Needling over the chest wall, neck, shoulder girdle and upper back can puncture the pleura. Symptoms can appear during treatment or hours later: chest pain, shortness of breath, pain on breathing in, a dry cough or reduced exercise tolerance.
Tell every patient what to look out for. If you suspect a pneumothorax, stop and refer for urgent medical assessment.
Do not needle when
- The patient does not give informed consent or has a strong needle phobia.
- There is local infection, a skin lesion, an open wound or a recent burn at the site.
- The limb has lymphoedema or a history of lymph node clearance.
- There is a suspected deep vein thrombosis, tumour or acute fracture in the area.
- The patient is in a medical emergency or acutely unwell.
- The patient cannot communicate sensations during treatment.
Extra caution
- Anticoagulants or bleeding disorders.
- Pregnancy, especially the lumbopelvic region.
- Immunosuppression, diabetes or poor skin healing.
- Epilepsy, history of fainting, metal (nickel) allergy.
- Thin build or lung disease when working near the thorax.
- Joint replacements and other implants near the target.