At Excelsior Integrative, we offer combined Massage Therapy + Dry Needling sessions to deliver both broad muscular relief and precise trigger point release. This integrative approach allows your RMT to blend hands-on soft tissue techniques with targeted dry needling, addressing pain and mobility restrictions from multiple angles in a single treatment.

Located at Yonge & Eglinton – Covered by most insurance plans under ‘massage therapy’.

Dry Needling is a modern, evidence-based technique used to treat myofascial pain by targeting muscle knots and trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which follows the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, dry needling is based on Western medicine’s understanding of neuromuscular function and pain science. By stimulating these trigger points, dry needling helps release tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing in affected areas.

Research supports the effectiveness of dry needling in pain relief and muscle recovery:

• A systematic review found dry needling to be effective in reducing myofascial trigger point pain and improving muscle function (Gattie et al., 2017).
• Available evidence suggests that dry needling is effective in reducing myofascial trigger point pain and improving muscle function (barnstablephysicaltherapy.com)
• Research indicates that dry needling combined with manual therapy can enhance mobility and pain relief in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Massage Therapy + Dry Needling sessions are structured for comfort and effectiveness:

• Brief Assessment (5 minutes): Your therapist identifies key areas of tension or dysfunction.

• Dry Needling (up to 15 minutes): Fine needles are inserted into specific muscles or trigger points to release tightness and restore function.

• Massage Therapy (remainder of session): Hands-on treatment addresses surrounding tissues, promotes circulation, and integrates the release into your overall movement pattern.

• Remedial Exercises (if needed): Your therapist may provide simple stretches or exercises to prolong the benefits between visits.

This combination allows you to get precise, targeted release alongside the systemic benefits of massage therapy.

Massage Therapy + Dry Needling is ideal for clients with:

• Chronic muscle tightness or stubborn trigger points

• Neck, shoulder, or back pain

• Headaches or tension related to muscle dysfunction

• Reduced mobility or stiffness after injury

• Sports or repetitive strain injuries (e.g., tendinitis, IT band pain, tennis elbow)

Integrating Dry Needling into your massage therapy session can provide significant benefits, including:

• Targeted Pain Relief – Releases deep trigger points that massage alone may not fully address
• Improved Range of Motion – Helps restore flexibility and movement in restricted areas.
• Reduced Muscle Stiffness & Tension – Encourages relaxation and normal muscle function.
• Enhanced Recovery & Circulation – Supports faster healing by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
• Relief from Sports & Overuse Injuries – Beneficial for athletes and individuals with repetitive strain injuries.

Read about how dry needling helps promote a faster recovery in our blog post.

While Dry Needling is safe for most individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. This treatment is not recommended for individuals with:

• Bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners
• Pregnancy (unless approved by a healthcare provider)
• Skin infections or open wounds
• Uncontrolled diabetes or nerve disorders
• Severe needle sensitivity or anxiety

• Mild soreness or bruising at the needling site
• Temporary fatigue or lightheadedness
• Occasional muscle twitching

“Dry Needling is the same as Acupuncture.”

False. While both use needles, dry needling focuses on trigger points and musculoskeletal pain relief, while acupuncture follows Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to balance energy flow.

“Dry Needling is painful.”

False. Most clients feel only a mild twitch response or temporary soreness, similar to a deep tissue massage.

“Results are instant.”

Partially true. Some clients experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over multiple sessions.

“Dry Needling is only for athletes.”

False. This technique benefits anyone experiencing muscle tightness, chronic pain, or restricted movement.

Dry needling goes straight to the source of pain — targeting myofascial trigger points to release stubborn tension, restore function, and reset your neuromuscular system.

At Excelsior Integrative, our trained therapists use dry needling to treat everything from chronic tension headaches to sports injuries and mobility restrictions. It’s precise, efficient, and often produces results in fewer sessions than traditional methods.

Our Midtown Toronto clinic is located at Yonge and Eglinton, easily accessible from Davisville, Mount Pleasant, Leaside, and Eglinton West.

Book your massage therapy + dry needling  integrative session  today and get back to moving freely — without the chronic tension holding you back.

Not sure if this session is right for you? Contact us to discuss your treatment options.