Dry Needling

What exactly is dry needling?

Dry needling, often referred to as medical acupuncture, is a special treatment used by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other highly educated professionals in the field of physical therapy and medicine, with the purpose of reducing pain and increasing mobility in the musculoskeletal system. 

The technique is western (not Chinese as most people believe) medicine in which acupuncture needles are used and applied directly into the muscular system of the body to reduce muscle tension, reduce pain in the treated area, initiate tissue regeneration, and increase the mobility of the joint attached to the treated muscle. 

The technique is very safe and effective in the hands of a specialist who is properly trained for it. 

Dry needling lumbar spine
Dry needling and cupping

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling has several proposed mechanisms of action, but it is believed that 3 or 4 mechanisms are the most accurate. The most logical and accepted mechanism of action in the physical therapy profession is the mechanical mechanism. The mechanical mechanism works by creating micro trauma (which is not large enough for permanent damage) in the treated area by means of a needle puncture and stimulating the process of tissue regeneration by means of the same micro trauma and bringing nutrients such as oxygen and protein with the circulation to the target tissue. 

The effect of dry needling on the nervous system occurs at 3 levels:

  1. Peripheral nervous mechanisms - dry needling of skin and muscle needling activates nociceptors that induce analgesia
  2. Segmental nervous mechanisms - act by applying the needle to a painful spot to facilitate nerve mechanisms in the spinal cord 
  3. Central nervous mechanisms - mechanisms in the brain 
 

A cross section of 11 scientific studies involving 802 patients with lumbar spine pain, proved that dry needling of pain points in the target muscles was shown to be highly effective in reducing pain and increasing patient functionality.

History of dry needling

Dry needling as a technique was invented by chance as Dr. Janet Travell (in the picture) in 1940. noticed the existence of muscle “trigger points” and recommended the use of injections in the same. They started using intradermal needles containing medicinal products such as corticosteroids and analgesics that were seen to have a positive effect. They then experimented with saline (infusion) and noticed that they were getting the same effect as the drugs. In this way, they assumed that there was no need to administer the drug and that the needle itself helped the symptomatology related to the “trigger points”.

 

In 1979. Czech physiatrist Dr. Karel Lewit finally concluded that the positive effects of using the technique were related solely to mechanical needle stimulation and not to drug administration. After this conclusion, he separated the term “wet "needling from” dry" needling.

 

Nowadays dry needling is used by medical professionals from all over the world. Usually in charge of the application of the same are technique are physiotherapists, chiropractors, medical doctors, and osteopaths. The technique has become increasingly popular over the years due to its quick and effective action to reduce pain and Increase movement. 

 

 

Razlika između Dry needling-a i Akupunkture

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about technique:

Short answer: No. 

Longer answer: most patients are afraid of pain from needle puncture that dry needling practically does not have because the needle is extremely thin and quickly penetrates the skin. 

The feeling rather than the pain would be called discomfort because the muscles "spasm" while the needle is being applied. 

The technique is applied to a large number of problems in the musculoskeletal system.

Ideal problems for dry needling application are:

  • pain in the lumbar spine
  • sciatica (tingling in the legs)
  • pain in the cervical spine
  • cervicobrachial syndrome (tingling in the hands)
  • pain in the area of the shoulder blades and thoracic spine
  • problems with hips and knees
  • problems with shoulders and elbows

After the treatment, it is necessary to drink more water and have a good rest. The body will be in an inflammatory state for the next few days and heavy physical work and strain are not desirable. 

Also, if necessary after the treatment, pain medicine can be taken. 

After a few days the inflammatory process will pass and you can continue to behave normally. 

Why our therapy?

Progress after the first treatment.

We work on quick and long-term solutions for the problem and after the first treatment you will feel improvement and relief of the symptoms.

Friendly clinic

In our clinic, we maintain a pleasant and friendly atmosphere so that you do not have additional stress.

There's no maintenance

We provide effective and long-term solutions for your problem in order for you to save money and time!

Dry needling tension headaches

Targeted rehabilitation plan

1. step: Book an appointment

By e-mail, message or call we will book you the first appointment in which we will find out and explain the exact problem.

2. step: Rehabilitation plan and program

In cooperation with you, we create an individual, fast and effective rehabilitation plan and program that will surely lead you to optimal condition.

3. step: Return to normal life

Finally you will be pain free again and move with ease.

Reviews of our patients

Ad Sacrum
4.9
Based on reviews
powered by Google
Dorian PureticDorian Puretic
17:31 01 Dec 23
Problem riješen u par tretmana sve pohvale 💪
Zvonimir ZebicZvonimir Zebic
07:27 29 Nov 23
Problem je bio bol u donjem dijelu leđa. Bol je nestala kroz 3 tretmana.Toni je to odradio brzo i profesionalno.Sviđa mi se što nije bilo klasičnih navlakuša na što više tretmana.Svaka preporuka.
Domagoj KunićDomagoj Kunić
17:49 23 Nov 23
Nakon 15 godina bolova u donjem dijelu ledja, ramena i lopatice, bolovi su nestali nakon nekoliko tretmana iglicama. Nevjerojatno je s kolikom boli se čovjek nauči živjeti 🙂 Sada je na meni da vježbama spriječim da se ukočenja ne vrate. Hvala, Toni!
Ivan BrelićIvan Brelić
20:00 21 Nov 23
3 godine bolova u vratu, ukočenosti, ograničenosti pokreta Toni je uspio riješiti u svega 3 tretmana, izuzetno profesionalan fizioterapeut, izvrsna dijagnostika problema i vrlo brzo rješenje istih.Sve pohvale.
Kaja HrabarKaja Hrabar
18:00 20 Nov 23
Toni je izuzetan fizioterapeut čije stručno znanje i posvećenost zaslužuju priznanje. U svega nekoliko dolazaka uspješno je riješio probleme s ramenom, išijasom koji su me zezali duže vrijeme. Njegov pristup je nevjerojatno efikasan – brzo i precizno je dijagnosticirao probleme i pružio ciljano liječenje koje je rezultiralo iznimnim poboljšanjima. Toplo preporučujem njegove usluge svima koji traže stručnu pomoć i dugotrajna rješenja za svoje zdravstvene izazove.
Sasa CvetkovicSasa Cvetkovic
12:57 17 Nov 23
Teniski lakat, uzasna bol u ruci...nasao slucajno na netu stranicu od Ad Sacruma i narucio se.Problem rijesen u cetiri tretmana, tocno kako je mladi gospodin Toni i rekao na prvom terminu. Iznimna ugodna atmosfera i ono najvaznije, problem s teniskim laktom rijesen u dva tjedna i cetiri termina. Apsolutna i totalna preporuka, Toni hvala ti jos jednom...
Mario PazicMario Pazic
16:40 15 Nov 23
Sve pohvale i zahvale Ad Sacrumu za fantastično odrađen posao. Ruka mi je bila otrnula sve do šake, što je ozbiljniji problem, i u samo jednom tretmanu smo riješili 90% bolesti, a već nakon drugog tretmana sam resetiran na novo zdravo stanje. Preporučam svima koji su u sličnim problemima da ne troše vrijeme i novac nego da riješe svoj problem momentalno kod maestra svog zanata Toni Marica.
Josipa PerićJosipa Perić
15:34 03 Nov 23
Svaka pohvala i topla preporuka! U samo dva tretmana, išijas je izliječen.
Goran ĆurčićGoran Ćurčić
07:19 02 Nov 23
Svaka preporuka, fizioterapeut Toni jednostavno zna posao. 👍🏻
Daniela GrbavacDaniela Grbavac
16:13 23 Oct 23
Excellent treatment and approach! All praise and recommendations for Toni, the guy knows what he's doing!
Zlatko PeharZlatko Pehar
19:18 21 Oct 23
I say responsibly that Tony is the best expert in this part of Europe. He solved a problem that I've been dragging for about 10 years, gave me advice not to get the problem back, and finally I don't have sciatica.Thanks, Tony!
Mirela PaštarMirela Paštar
17:04 20 Oct 23
All praise to physiotherapist Tony and manager Dino! Very well organized and professional. And most importantly, Tony quickly determined the cause of my daughter's pain and successfully eliminated it with the dry needling technique. Toni is a very professional physiotherapist who explains in a very simple way where the problem arose and how it will be solved. All recommendations!
Antonela AlihodzicAntonela Alihodzic
11:25 17 Oct 23
Very pleasant physio, professional. Solved my sciatica problems in 5 appointments. All recommendations!
ana borovacana borovac
13:43 13 Oct 23
I came to Tony on recommendation after an unbearable pain in the groin, knee and back. In three visits, he solved a torment that has been going on for months! Direct and professional approach, excellent diagnostics and most importantly, fast results! I am absolutely thrilled with the speed of recovery after the treatment, patched me up in no time!
Ivana ĐurinecIvana Đurinec
09:26 06 Oct 23
Beyond all expectations! Dry needling is a miracle! There are no words to describe how grateful I am to Tony for ridding me of the unbearable and long-lasting headaches, which did not stop even with the help of pills. I came on the recommendation of a friend,honestly with little hope that it would really help me... Already after the first treatment I was without headaches,today I did the third and I am even sorry that now I do not have to come 😂 I feel perfect and happy. The big plus is that Toni,with her expertise, is extremely communicative and super person, so it wasn't even boring. I barely felt the needles, he is really a maher in his work,it can be seen that he knows the knowledge and does it with love!Highly recommended to everyone, you won't regret it!
hrvoje slavkovhrvoje slavkov
17:06 25 Sep 23
To all who read the Ad sacrum, specifically Tony...stiff all left back and neck..High Pressure, 3 year tablet daily,..etc etc..3 treatments in a young gentleman and amazing, amazing, 5 days my blood pressure stabilized 120/80, I don't take pills.waking up in the morning is top, clarity,..in a word, excellent...1 more thanks Tony and a recommendation to everyone
Lucia MartinezLucia Martinez
15:15 21 Sep 23
After a lot of unsuccessful physical therapy with the diagnosis of frozen shoulder and tendinitis, I came to Tony who in only 5 treatments with a dry needle successfully removed the problems.Now I have a much better range of motion and the inflammation is completely gone.Again, thank you very much for everything.
Ivan VrbanIvan Vrban
05:50 20 Sep 23
In three treatments, long-term problems with tingling in the hands and shoulders were successfully eliminated. I am very pleased with the results of the treatment. (Never mind) thumbs up!
Peter NevisticPeter Nevistic
17:56 25 Aug 23
Toni is very professional and professional in his work, after only two treatments he removed chronic pain in my back and shoulder!! A warm recommendation 👍
Seki EmperorSeki Emperor
21:55 30 Jun 23
Toni Marić and dry needling are all you need for severe pain in the thoracic part of the spine. From extremely severe pain when getting out of bed to painless condition in only two treatments. All praise and recommendation!
Mateja BaršićMateja Baršić
06:03 28 Jun 23
There are few words to describe my experience with Tony and Ad sacrum.After a few months of severe pain caused by" false thinking " pain in the gluteus, pain in the groin, pain in the spine that went forward where I had trouble standing, walking and sleeping. The man was already on the first term without much philosophy to go to work. After a few visits, the pain disappeared.
Nikola SmrčekNikola Smrček
14:46 08 Jun 23
There are few words to describe my experience with Tony and Ad Sacrum.After several months of severe pain caused by sciatica through the right leg, where I had problems getting up, sleeping and sitting to minimal pain, increased mobility and education itself what to do or not to do as I did not put myself in a similar situation. Great experiences "straight to the point" Education and application of Toni Marić's therapy.Recommendations to anyone who has orthopedic problems!
Ivo DujmovIvo Dujmov
18:51 05 Jun 23
I thank Tony for his great music, professionalism and treatment 👍 😎 I am a squash player,coach and coach!It is a one-sided sport where the back,neck, etc... I had problems with the left side of my neck,back to the lumbar region... massage and chiropractic for 10 years helped,but in the short term and never until the end!!! For the first time in 10 years I feel that my back is great,that I am light,without pain and limited movement during rotations in the game and that nothing hurts after a tournament,and I was only on 4 therapies 💪 💪 💪
Valentina 5393Valentina 5393
15:22 28 May 23
After years of pain in the lower back, I run into Tony and decide to go for treatment. After 2 sessions I feel like new, the tension and pain are completely gone. What impressed me the most was that he was a completely relaxed character, without much philosophy he explained everything “Lay” and did the most important thing.I would recommend to everyone
Mario RodinMario Rodin
17:15 26 May 23
I came to Tony's for severe pain in the lower leg and it turned out that I had chronic soleus inflammation. My muscle was very cramped from running too much and it was giving me severe pain throughout my leg. Tony gave me 4 dry needling treatments and solved my leg. It feels great and I can finally gradually return to training. The man knows what he's doing.
STJEPAN GRUDIĆSTJEPAN GRUDIĆ
17:46 17 May 23
My first encounter with needle therapy was extremely enjoyable. In a calm and relaxing environment, a professional and experienced therapist explained to me the principle of action and uses these techniques.The therapist carefully examined my health condition, listened to my concerns and desires, and adjusted the treatment to give me the best possible experience. This individualized care was incredibly effective and osnažujuća.Na finally, my problem was solved very quickly and I am extremely satisfied with his service:) my recommendation!
Jadranka AvdićJadranka Avdić
09:18 29 Mar 23
Perfect...one word that says it all. In 4 treatments, the pain and other symptoms that had accumulated over the years were removed. Toni really knows what he's doing. I can hardly find words of praise for this young man who, firstly, is very professional, and secondly, very kind and eloquent, so that he makes the treatment, which is a little uncomfortable, more pleasant, and shorter. In any case, for every recommendation!!! When it hurts again, I will go to Toni :).
Anja GrgicAnja Grgic
11:50 13 Dec 22
I booked the first appointment based on a recommendation due to long-term problems with the lumbar region, cervical spine, migraines, tingling in the feet and sciatica in both legs. With the first treatment, we solved the inflammation and pain in the upper back and trapezius, for which I ended up in the emergency room before arriving. With the second treatment I no longer feel sciatica or tingling in my feet. My body is recovering phenomenally every day. I booked a third appointment, so long-term constant problems (12 years!!!) Toni solved in just 3 treatments. I am delighted with the approach and professionalism of physiotherapist Toni. It is not enough to say that I am grateful and sincerely recommend it from the bottom of my heart.
BulatBulat
11:30 08 Dec 22
Extremely professional approach, excellent treatment with a noticeable difference after each treatment. Also very relaxed atmosphere, the best of two worlds can be said, I absolutely recommend to everyone!
Bojan MihalicekBojan Mihalicek
21:30 17 Nov 22
I came with a problem of the cervical and lumbar spine (which lasts 15 years), tingling in the legs (as a consequence of sciatica), and injury of the ankle and Achilles tendon of the leg from a year ago. He solved all my problems with dry needling and chiropractic techniques. Tony is extremely accessible and explains everything he does in detail. Expertise, customer relationship, and communication are at a very high level. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who has not been helped by conventional techniques.
Bernard ButoracBernard Butorac
21:10 17 Nov 22
I came to Tony through the recommendation of a handball player friend and I did not regret it. In several treatments, he solved the problem of a painful cervical spine and jaw that was painful to the movement and bite. The mobility of the jaw is very important to me because I'm in the singing business. The boyfriend also came with a problem with the cervical and lumbar spine, tingling in the legs, and injury to the wrist and tendon of the leg. He solved our problems with dry needling and chiropractic techniques. Toni is very approachable and everything he does he explains in detail, and also without hesitation you can ask him anything you want to know, so we let him in without fear. Business, expertise, customer relationship, and communication 5+.
Vesna KlanacVesna Klanac
17:44 28 Oct 22
After two dry needling treatments, my shoulder and neck loosened up, and the tension eased enough that after two months I finally have no headaches and no more dizziness. After the third dry needling treatment, the remaining pain on the right side, like muscle tension, has almost disappeared. I'm looking forward to the last treatment. Although it is known as a painful treatment, it was very tolerable for me, and it even seemed very relaxing. I am very glad that I found Toni on IG.
Sonja BrajkinaSonja Brajkina
04:31 12 Oct 22
Physio Toni is a very pleasant, educated and humble young person, who knows his job without much mystification and philosophy "hits the head" and immediately goes to solve the problem as quickly as possible and more than successfully. In communication, he is also pleasant and measured, adapts to the patient and has wide knowledge and can talk to him about various topics, which makes the treatment even easier and leads to the feeling that the treatment lasts much shorter than it really does.So successful in my case that after 9 months of almost vegetating due to enormous pain, after the first treatment, I started walking at least 5 km a day, and after the second I started again working out! I can only recommend this young expert in his field and say a big thank you to him.
IlonaIlona
10:11 26 Sep 22
If I could give 100 stars, it would be small. It's actually hard for me to put together impressions and sentences and to fully express how grateful I am. What a relief after years of shoulder discomfort and inability to rotate, when you finally manage to rotate your shoulder all the way. No pain! Tony's expertise, knowledge, and love for his job are evident in his every sentence. The problem is approached directly, without BS, immediately tells what and how to expect. I had high expectations that he exceeded. Tony, thank you!
IvoIvo
16:37 24 Jul 22
The man, without any philosophy, quickly and efficiently solved the problem of the lower spine, which had followed me for more than five years and which I thought would remain chronic. I recommend everyone to go and let Tony examine him and decide which solution is best. Tony, thank you again!
Janja MuzinaJanja Muzina
07:42 14 May 22
I'm gonna use the kids 'dictionary and say," I don't like dry needling!". With the recommendation of a friend who I talked to about the pain I was living with due to a messy life and long hours of computer work, I came to Tony for treatment. During the treatment, Tony eased my pain by talking and explaining. I went back for another treatment. Today I live without pain and I recommend Tony to everyone for his professionalism, expertise and human approach with respect to the client.
js_loader

Why rehabilitate yourself with us?

For more information and reservation please contact us by clicking on the button below. 

free guide 

5 things to do before visiting a physical therapist (Croatian language)

Find out what you need to do before a first visit to a physical therapist. Carrying out these steps will enable you to have more successful and faster rehabilitation process!

Where do we send your FREE guide?

5 things to do before visiting a physical therapist (Croatian language)

Find out what you need to do before a first visit to a physical therapist. Carrying out these steps will enable you to have more successful and faster rehabilitation process!

We use cookies to optimize our site to provide you with the most relevant information and a better user experience. We also use Analytics.

Book your appointment

*Each of our examinations and treatments must be paid in advance to the bank account of the company or in cash at the previous treatment