Dry Needling

A fine needle reaches tight muscle points that manual techniques can only address indirectly. In Kloten and Zurich West we combine dry needling with active training — as a door opener, not an end in itself.

Key facts

• 11 therapists trained in dry needling
• Basic health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription), accident insurance (UVG) or self-pay
• Locations in Kloten and Zurich West
• First appointment usually within 48 hours

Typical complaints

• Myofascial trigger points — localised knots in the muscle
• Muscle tension — neck, shoulders, back
• Restricted movement — with a muscular component
• Radiating symptoms — trigger-point-related pain

When dry needling makes sense

When a muscle stays stubbornly tight, a palpable knot has formed or symptoms radiate from a single point, manual techniques often only reach the deeper layers indirectly. This is exactly where dry needling comes in: the fine needle goes straight into the trigger point. During your initial assessment in Kloten or Zurich West we work out with you whether the method suits your symptoms.

How we work in Kloten and Zurich West

We palpate the tight muscle, place the needle precisely and, depending on the findings, work superficially or with short movements within the trigger point. A visible muscle twitch shows us we have hit the spot. Twelve of our therapists are trained in dry needling, several holding the “Dry Needling Top 30” certificate — available at both locations.

Why the needle is only the beginning

Dry needling mainly produces short-term effects on pain and mobility. So that the tension does not return, we treat the needling as a door opener: it is followed straight away by mobilisation, stretching and active training. That is how we deliberately combine dry needling with manual therapy and carefully dosed strength training — the goal is resilient muscle, not just a briefly released point.

Frequently asked questions

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique in which a fine, dry needle (no medication) is inserted precisely into tight muscle points, so-called myofascial trigger points. The aim is to interrupt the constant tension and improve mobility. Unlike acupuncture, needle placement follows what we feel in the muscle, not a meridian system.

Who is dry needling suitable for?

Dry needling can help with localised muscle tension, palpable trigger points, movement-restricting knots and radiating symptoms. It is not suitable during acute inflammation, with blood-clotting disorders, in early pregnancy or with a pronounced fear of needles — which is why we check this together during your initial assessment.

Is dry needling covered by health insurance?

Dry needling is part of physiotherapy treatment. With a doctor’s prescription it is billed via basic health insurance (KVG); after a sports accident, via accident insurance (UVG). As a self-payer you can book at any time without a prescription.

Does dry needling hurt?

The needle is very fine and the insertion is usually barely noticeable. When the trigger point is hit, a brief muscle twitch may occur, which some people feel as a short pulling sensation. In the hours afterwards, a feeling similar to sore muscles or slight tenderness is normal and subsides quickly.

Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.