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Dry Needling in Amsterdam

Dry needling is a targeted treatment of trigger points in muscles using thin needles. For chronic muscle pain, neck, shoulder and back complaints or tension headaches, it is often an effective approach. At MBT Amsterdam we always combine dry needling with active exercise therapy, so the result holds.

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Dry needling treatment at Movement Based Therapy

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling works by stimulating muscle fibres with a thin needle. When the needle enters a trigger point, it often triggers a so-called twitch response: a brief, involuntary muscle contraction. Although that may sound uncomfortable, it is precisely the effect we want. It causes the muscle to relax and the tension to drop. This process can improve blood circulation in the treated area, which helps the muscle recover and reduces pain. The change in muscle tension also alters the pain signal sent to the brain.

Beyond relieving the pain, it is important to look for the cause of the symptom. Why is this muscle so tense?

Dry needling trigger point treatment
Coffee in the practice at Movement Based Therapy

What to expect?

The treatment itself is relatively straightforward. You may feel a brief, sharp sensation when the needle enters the muscle, followed by the twitch response mentioned above. This can be momentarily uncomfortable, but most of the discomfort disappears as soon as the needle is removed.

After the treatment, the muscle or area can feel a bit sore. That feeling may last 24 to 48 hours. Often there is an immediate effect or relief in the initial symptoms. The best results usually come after a few sessions.

Who is dry needling suitable for?

Dry needling can be an effective treatment for many people, in particular for those with:

  • Chronic muscle pain long-standing pain from cramped muscles or overload can benefit from dry needling.
  • Muscle and joint problems neck, shoulder or back pain often eases with dry needling.
  • Headaches tension headaches are sometimes caused by muscle knots in the neck and shoulders, which can be treated effectively with dry needling.

Dry needling is not suitable for everyone. It cannot be used with certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders or during pregnancy. Always discuss this with us during the intake.

● COMMON

Conditions we treat

We use dry needling for symptoms that arise from trigger points and cramped muscles.

01

Knee pain

→02

Shoulder pain

→03

Back pain

→04

Neck pain

→05

Hip pain

→06

Ankle pain

→07

ACL rehabilitation

→08

Meniscus injury

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● WHY MBT

What sets us apart.

01

Trigger-point-specific approach

Targeted treatment of trigger points and cramped muscles with a thin needle. Not random pricks, but a deliberate intervention.

02

A means to make movement easier

We use dry needling to make movement easier again. From there we build further with active exercise therapy and strength training.

03

Often immediate effect

The muscle relaxes after the twitch response. Many patients notice relief after the first session.

04

Looking for the cause

Not only relieving the pain, but also investigating why the muscle is so tense. Symptom and cause.

05

Evidence and practice based

The latest research in rehabilitation and diagnostics, combined with our clinical experience.

● OUR METHOD

Our unique method

Repeat.
01 / PHASE 1

Discover

Every treatment starts with a thorough intake. This gives us a complete picture of your physical health, movement patterns and mental well-being. We take a holistic approach and look beyond physical symptoms alone. Think sleep habits, nutrition, hydration, movement and daily stress factors.

Discover phase, intake at Movement Based Therapy
02 / PHASE 2

Educate

Understanding your condition is the key to lasting recovery. We make sure you understand where your symptoms come from and how to manage them. This helps you recognise your body's signals and prevent future issues.

Educate phase at Movement Based Therapy
03 / PHASE 3

Recreate

We work through a tailored programme that targets weaknesses in the body. Movement is at the centre of our treatment method. With specific exercises tuned to you, we build your body's capacity to handle load and help you develop sustainable movement habits. This reduces the chance of recurring symptoms.

Recreate phase at Movement Based Therapy
04 / PHASE 4

Evaluate

Evaluation is an essential part of our approach. We monitor your progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan when needed. This keeps the therapy aligned with your goals and needs at every stage of the process.

Evaluate phase at Movement Based Therapy
● FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a treatment technique where a thin needle is placed in a trigger point of a muscle. The muscle relaxes and the pain decreases. It is not acupuncture: dry needling targets anatomically identifiable trigger points.

Does dry needling hurt?

You feel a brief, sharp sensation when the needle touches the muscle, followed by a twitch response. This can be momentarily uncomfortable, but it disappears as soon as the needle is removed. Afterwards the muscle may feel sore for 24 to 48 hours.

What is a twitch response?

A twitch response is a brief, involuntary muscle contraction that occurs when the needle hits a trigger point. This is precisely the effect we want: it causes the muscle to relax and the tension to drop.

How many sessions do I need?

That depends on your condition. There is often an immediate effect, but the best result usually comes after a few sessions. During your intake we give a realistic estimate.

When is dry needling not suitable?

Dry needling is not suitable with certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders or during pregnancy. Always discuss this with us first during the intake, then we look at what is possible.

Is dry needling reimbursed?

Dry needling falls under physiotherapy. For 2026 we have agreements with several Dutch health insurers. Reimbursement depends on your supplementary insurance. Always check with your own insurer.

Which locations can I visit?

Three locations in Amsterdam: Houthavens in Amsterdam-West, NDSM in Amsterdam-North and Oostenburg in Amsterdam-East. Book at the location that suits you best.

Related services

01

Physiotherapy

General physiotherapy to restore function and capacity to handle load.

→
02

Manual therapy

Mulligan Concept: mobilisation combined with active movement.

→
03

Sports physiotherapy

Sport-specific rehabilitation with return-to-sport criteria.

→
3Locations · Amsterdam
64+Google reviews · 5★
12yrClinical experience
1500+Athletes treated
● LOCATIONS

Three locations in amsterdam

01

Houthavens

Nieuwe Hemweg 7T
1013BG Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗
02

NDSM

Scannerstraat 7
1033RV Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗
03

Oostenburg

Jacob Bontiusplaats 40
1018LL Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗

Get moved.

Book an intake at the location that suits you best. Questions about how we work? Get in touch.

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● WHAT PATIENTS SAY
★★★★★ 5.0 based on 64 Google reviews
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★★★★★
I received excellent care and guidance throughout my ACL and meniscus surgery journey. From the preparation phase to the recovery process, I felt fully supported with a clear plan and weekly progression.
Simon10 months ago
★★★★★
Cedrine helped me enormously with my recovery from recurring knee complaints. Within a few months the strength difference between both legs was minimal.
Gwen Kuijer1 year ago
★★★★★
I've been helped tremendously by multiple members of the team for various issues over the course of about a year now. Not all team members have been my PT, but I have met them all and they are all great.
Rik12 months ago