Shockwave Therapy & Dry Needling: How to Know if They’re Right for You
Nagging tendon pain that won’t go away? Or muscles that feel tight and sore no matter how much you stretch? Sometimes, rest and exercise alone aren’t enough to move things forward. That’s where targeted recovery tools like Shockwave Therapy and Dry Needling can make a difference.
At Technique, we use both treatments to support recovery, prevent future injuries, and help people move with confidence, whether you’re an athlete or simply dealing with everyday aches. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in tissues that are slow to repair on their own. It’s especially effective for stubborn tendon injuries that don’t respond well to traditional rehab.
Conditions shockwave is often used for:
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Chronic shoulder tendon pain
Shockwave works by increasing blood flow and stimulating a healing response in the tissue, while also helping reduce pain. Research has shown it to be effective in managing chronic tendinopathy when exercise and loading alone aren’t enough.
Injury prevention: By addressing tendon overload early, shockwave helps reduce the risk of small problems turning into long-term injuries that stop you from training or competing.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves inserting very fine needles into tight bands of muscle, known as trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neuroscience.
Benefits of dry needling:
Releases deep muscle tension and knots
Reduces local and referred pain
Improves mobility in tight or restricted areas
Helps muscles recover faster after overload
Injury prevention: By releasing muscle tension before it builds into strain or overload, dry needling helps reduce the chance of injuries that come from compensation, poor movement patterns, or chronic tightness..
Why Work With a Physio?
Neither therapy should stand alone. At Technique, our physiotherapists first assess the root cause of your pain, then decide whether shockwave, dry needling, or another approach is best. Both treatments are integrated into a bigger plan that can include exercise rehab, strength training, and hands-on therapy.
This ensures you’re not just getting temporary relief but building long-term resilience and lowering your risk of future injuries.
The Bigger Picture
Shockwave therapy and dry needling are powerful tools, but the real goal is helping you move, feel, and perform at your best. Whether that’s running without pain, training consistently, or simply getting through your day without stiffness, we’ll help you choose the right path forward, for recovery today and prevention tomorrow.
Ready to Tackle Stubborn Pain?
If you’re dealing with tendon pain, muscle tightness, or an injury that won’t shift, Shockwave Therapy or Dry Needling may be the right fit for you.
Book your next session at Technique today, available at both our Vauxhall and Liverpool Street locations, and take the next step toward lasting recovery and injury prevention.
