Dry needling
Targeted release of trigger points for chronic muscle tension and pain that doesn't ease with massage.
Dry needling is a technique where a thin, sterile needle enters a trigger point directly. It's rarely available in the public system, and it's Atlas's signature specialty for chronic tension that massage alone doesn't resolve.
Price: 27,00 €
How it works
Dry needling is a technique where a thin, sterile needle enters a trigger point directly, a tightly knotted spot in the muscle causing local and referred pain. Massage works on surface layers; dry needling works directly on the trigger point itself.
It's often used for chronic neck and shoulder tension, tension headaches, back pain, and soft-tissue sports injuries — especially when other approaches have only given temporary relief.
Dry needling is not acupuncture. The needle is similar, but the starting point is different: dry needling works from muscle anatomy and a specific, palpable trigger point, while acupuncture follows the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. It's rarely offered anywhere in Zagreb County's public system, and here in Turkovčina it's available without a referral to patients from across the Zagreb area — Sveti Ivan Zelina, Vrbovec, Dugo Selo, and Sesvete.
Treatment steps
- 1Assessing the muscle and identifying active trigger points
- 2Precisely inserting a thin needle into the trigger point
- 3A brief hold or gentle stimulation until the muscle releases
Who it's for
Frequently asked questions
Does dry needling hurt?
You'll feel a brief twitch at the moment the needle enters the trigger point, then relief — most patients describe it as tolerable and different from the fear a needle usually causes.
How many sessions are needed?
Many patients notice a difference after just one to three sessions, depending on how chronic the issue is.
Can I combine dry needling with massage?
Yes, they're often combined — massage relaxes the surrounding muscles while dry needling targets the specific point.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. The needle is similar, but dry needling works from muscle anatomy and a specific trigger point, while acupuncture follows the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. They're two different methods with different starting points.
Do I need a referral for dry needling?
No. Atlas is a private clinic with no HZZO contract, so you book directly, without a referral — usually within a week.
Are there contraindications for dry needling?
Yes. We don't use dry needling during pregnancy without a doctor's approval, in patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulant therapy, over an active infection at the treatment site, or when needle anxiety prevents cooperation. We always review your health history and do an assessment before the first session.
When should I see a doctor instead of booking physical therapy?
If your pain comes with unexplained weight loss, pain that wakes you at night, numbness in the groin area, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or worsening weakness, see a doctor before booking with us — these can be signs that need more urgent medical attention.
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Ready to book an appointment?
No referral, no waiting — an appointment available this week.