Muscle knots and trigger points, explained
Most people have felt it at some point — a firm, tender spot in a muscle that feels like a “knot”, often somewhere in the shoulders, neck or upper back. In physiotherapy terms, this is often referred to as a trigger point: a small area within a muscle where the tissue is tight, sensitive to pressure, and can sometimes refer discomfort to a nearby area.
Trigger points can develop for a range of reasons, including repetitive movement, sustained postures, unfamiliar physical activity, or general muscle overload. Dry needling trigger points is one of the more common reasons people book in with a physiotherapist, and it’s a technique worth understanding before your first session.
What causes trigger points to form
Trigger points are thought to develop when small areas of muscle fibre stay in a shortened, tight state rather than relaxing normally. This can happen for a number of reasons, and often it’s a combination of factors rather than one single cause.
- Prolonged sitting or repetitive desk-based postures
- Repetitive movement patterns from work or sport
- A sudden increase in activity or unfamiliar exercise
- General muscle fatigue or stress-related tension
People who experience trigger points often describe a persistent ache, tightness, or a sensation of discomfort that seems to spread beyond the immediate spot when pressed — this is known as referred pain, and it’s a common feature of trigger points.
How dry needling is used to help release a trigger point
Dry needling is one technique physiotherapists use to work directly with trigger points. During assessment, your physiotherapist will locate the tight, tender area in the muscle through careful palpation (feeling the tissue with their hands) and movement testing.
A fine, single-use needle is then inserted through the skin into the trigger point itself. This is designed to help encourage the tight muscle fibres to release and can support a reduction in local muscle tension. Many people notice a brief twitch response in the muscle during this process, which is considered a normal and often useful sign that the needle has reached the target tissue.
Quick tip
Trigger points often respond well when dry needling is combined with specific stretching or strengthening exercises — ask your physiotherapist for a simple home routine to support your treatment between sessions.
What the process generally involves
- Your physiotherapist assesses your history, movement and the affected area
- They identify the trigger point through touch and movement testing
- A single-use needle is inserted into the specific point
- The needle may be left briefly or gently manipulated, depending on your response
- Your physiotherapist discusses aftercare and any follow-up exercises
This is generally just one part of a broader physiotherapy appointment, which may also include manual therapy, postural advice and specific exercises aimed at reducing the likelihood of the trigger point returning.
A trigger point rarely appears in isolation — dry needling works best alongside a plan that also addresses posture, load and movement.
Managing trigger points beyond the clinic
While dry needling can be a useful tool for trigger points, ongoing management often benefits from attention to the underlying contributing factors. Your physiotherapist may suggest:
- Regular movement breaks if you sit for long periods
- Specific stretches or mobility exercises for the affected area
- Gradual, well-managed increases in activity or training load
- Strategies to manage stress, which can contribute to muscle tension
At our Yagoona clinic, this treatment is provided by AHPRA-registered physiotherapists who will explain what they find during your assessment and agree on a plan with you, which may include dry needling alongside other techniques suited to your particular presentation.
Learn more from independent sources: the Australian Physiotherapy Association and healthdirect Australia. Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a registered health practitioner.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a registered health practitioner. Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA.