Dry Needling in Kerala – Actymed Healthcare
Precision myofascial dry needling for pain relief, sports injury recovery, and muscle rehabilitation
Available at Thodupuzha · Perumbavoor · Kottarakkara
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a precise, minimally invasive therapeutic technique in which fine, sterile needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points — tight, irritable knots within muscle tissue that cause localised pain, referred pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory, dry needling is grounded in modern Western anatomy, neurophysiology, and pain science. The term “dry” refers to the fact that no medication or fluid is injected — the needle itself is the therapeutic tool.
When the needle reaches an active trigger point, it produces a brief involuntary twitch response in the muscle — triggering muscle relaxation, improved blood flow, reduced local inflammation, and normalisation of pain signalling pathways.
Dry Needling at Actymed – What Makes Us Different
At Actymed, dry needling is not a standalone treatment — it is one layer of a carefully designed multimodal treatment plan. Dr. Ajeesh T Alex combines dry needling with Ayurveda Marma therapy, manual therapy, and rehabilitation exercise to address both the trigger points and the underlying biomechanical or postural factors that created them.
Conditions We Treat with Dry Needling
Chronic Pain Conditions
- Fibromyalgia — widespread musculoskeletal pain responding well to targeted dry needling combined with Marma therapy
- Myofascial pain syndrome — chronic trigger point pain in any muscle group
- Chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
- Chronic low back pain
- Chronic shoulder pain
Sports Injuries
- Hamstring and quadriceps strains
- Calf and Achilles tendon pain
- Plantar fasciitis — intrinsic foot muscle needling for rapid pain reduction
- IT band syndrome — for runners and cyclists
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Shin splints
Orthopaedic Conditions
- Knee pain
- Frozen shoulder — trigger point release to restore range of motion
- Hip pain — piriformis, TFL, and iliopsoas trigger point needling
- Post-surgical muscle rehabilitation
Other Conditions
- Tension headaches and migraines
- TMJ dysfunction — masseter and pterygoid trigger points
- Sciatica and nerve-related pain
- Post-COVID muscle pain and fatigue
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
Step 1 – Assessment
Dr. Ajeesh will conduct a thorough musculoskeletal assessment — including posture analysis, movement screening, and trigger point mapping — to identify which muscles are contributing to your pain and dysfunction.
Step 2 – Needling
Fine, sterile, single-use needles are inserted into the identified trigger points. When the needle reaches the trigger point, a brief twitch response or deep aching sensation is felt — this lasts only a second or two.
Step 3 – Post-needling care
Mild muscle soreness — similar to the feeling after an intense workout — may be felt for 24 to 48 hours. This is normal and expected.
How many sessions are needed?
Most acute conditions respond within 2 to 4 sessions. Chronic conditions may require 6 to 8 sessions.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture – Key Differences
| Dry Needling | Acupuncture | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Western anatomy & pain science | Traditional Chinese medicine meridians |
| Target | Myofascial trigger points | Acupuncture points along meridians |
| Goal | Release muscle tension, reduce pain | Restore energy flow (Qi) |
| Evidence base | Strong clinical evidence for musculoskeletal pain | Evidence varies by condition |
Frequently Asked Questions
The needle insertion itself causes minimal discomfort. Most patients feel a brief, deep aching or twitching sensation at the trigger point — lasting only a second. Mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours after sessions is common and expected.
Yes. At Actymed, all dry needling is performed by Dr. Ajeesh T Alex using sterile, single-use needles following strict hygiene protocols.
Dry needling is available at all three locations — Thodupuzha (24 hours), Perumbavoor (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM), and Kottarakkara (every Monday, 8:30 AM–5 PM).
No referral is needed. You can book directly or walk in to the Thodupuzha clinic at any time.
Dry needling is based on Western anatomy and pain science, targeting myofascial trigger points to release muscle tension and reduce pain. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and targets points along energy meridians. They use similar needles but are entirely different in theory and application.
Book a Dry Needling Consultation
Call us on +91 94965 02248 or book online.