Keep moving
Dry needling in Eindhoven
Dry needling uses a very thin needle to release tight bands in a muscle, known as trigger points. It is not acupuncture: we target the specific muscle that causes your pain. Most patients feel a brief muscle twitch, followed by noticeable relaxation of the muscle. The 'dry' simply means nothing is injected, the needle itself does the work. No referral needed.
Fast release of muscle tension
targeted at trigger points in neck, shoulder, back, hip or calf.
Safe and skilled
performed by certified physiotherapists, with clear explanation and aftercare.
A plan that keeps working
combined with exercise therapy and posture and load advice.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling uses a very thin needle to release tight bands in a muscle, known as trigger points. It is not acupuncture: we target the specific muscle that causes your pain. Most patients feel a brief muscle twitch, followed by noticeable relaxation of the muscle. The 'dry' simply means nothing is injected, the needle itself does the work.
Who is it for?
- Stubborn muscle knots in your neck, shoulders or upper back
- Radiating muscle pain in your hip, glutes or legs
- Tension headaches that start in the neck and shoulders
- Athletes with tight or overloaded muscles
For which complaints do we use dry needling?
Neck & head
- Nagging neck pain radiating to the back of the head or temple.
- Tension headaches or a 'band feeling' around the head from neck and shoulder muscles.
- Pain when turning or looking down; stiff upper neck from tense deep neck muscles.
Shoulder & arm
- Pain when lifting or reaching from overactive rotator cuff or upper back muscles.
- A 'heavy' shoulder after long sitting and screen work.
- Elbow pain when gripping or lifting (tennis or golfer's elbow) with tight forearm muscles.
Upper & lower back
- Tight, burning back muscles after long sitting or lifting, including acute lumbago.
- A stuck feeling around the shoulder blades from overactive posture muscles.
- Lower back stiffness with limited bending or turning.
Hip, glutes & sciatica-like pain
- Buttock pain radiating into the thigh from piriformis or gluteal tension.
- Nagging outer hip when lying on your side or climbing stairs.
- Tight hip flexors after long sitting or running.
When to book dry needling?
Wondering whether it is 'bad enough' for the physio? In these situations an appointment is worthwhile, no referral needed:
- Persistent pain or stiffness: that does not clearly improve after one to two weeks of taking it easy (walking, moving, short breaks).
- Recurring complaints: with work or sport, for example neck pain after screen days, a shoulder that protests when reaching, or a calf that keeps seizing up when running.
- Restricted movement: something that used to work no longer does: reaching overhead, bending, turning, stairs.
- Recovery after an injury or surgery: you want to rebuild strength and load capacity safely and prevent a relapse.
How does a dry needling session work?
We start with a short intake about your complaints and goals, in plain English. We look at your load and recovery (work, sport, sleep, stress), test which movements provoke your complaint, and decide together whether this treatment adds value for you. You get a clear explanation and a concrete plan for the first weeks, and treatment starts the same appointment.
Is dry needling safe?
Dry needling is a safe, well-researched technique when performed by a certified therapist. Our physiotherapists completed accredited dry needling training and use sterile, single-use needles.
There are a few situations where we choose a different approach, for example with certain medication, pregnancy or needle anxiety. We always discuss this during your intake, and dry needling is never compulsory: it is one of the tools we can use within your treatment plan.
What results can you expect?
Most patients feel the treated muscle relax during or directly after the session, with reduced pain and freer movement over the following days. For neck and shoulder tension from desk work, one to three sessions typically make a clear difference.
Dry needling works best as part of a plan: the needle releases the knot, the exercises and load advice keep it from coming back. That combination is exactly how we use it, and why the effect lasts beyond the treatment table.
Costs and insurance
Dry needling is part of a regular physiotherapy session, not a separate bill. Physiotherapy is covered by your supplementary (aanvullende) insurance, depending on your policy, and it never touches your deductible (eigen risico). Many expat and international insurance plans cover physiotherapy as well. Bring your insurance details to the first appointment and we check your coverage together, before any costs surprise you.
Adults (18+)
- Sessions are reimbursed from your supplementary (aanvullende) insurance, the number depends on your policy.
- For chronic conditions on the official list, the basic insurance covers from session 21 onwards (sessions 1–20 via supplementary insurance or self-paid); a doctor's referral is required for chronic status.
- Physiotherapy never counts towards your deductible (eigen risico), except basic-insurance COPD care.
Children up to 17
- With a chronic indication, physiotherapy is covered from the very first session by the basic insurance.
Preparation and aftercare
What to bring
- ID (first appointment) and your insurance details
- Clothes you can move in, think shorts or sports gear for hip and knee complaints
- A short history of your complaint: when it started, what worsens it, what eases it
- Any medical information: referral letter, scans or earlier reports, if you have them
- No special preparation needed, a water bottle is always a good idea
After the treatment
- Muscle soreness or a bruised feeling at the needle site is normal, it fades within 24 to 48 hours
- A warm shower or heat pack on the treated spot helps with stiffness
- Keep moving: gentle activity speeds recovery, sitting still slows it
- Drink enough water after the treatment
- Best not to plan a heavy training session the next day
Frequently asked questions about dry needling
Book your appointment with Bo
Plan your appointment with Bo Treffers or one of our other dry needling therapists. No referral needed, and we can usually plan you in within one working day.
Call 040-3400224 or email [email protected]. Locations at Philitelaan 59A, Fransebaan 584 and Artoislaan 6A.
Locations
Three locations in Eindhoven
Visit us in the heart of Eindhoven's creative and tech district, or at one of our two practices in the north of the city. Every location offers English-speaking care.
Strijp-S
Fysiotherapie Strijp-S
In Eindhoven's creative and tech district, on walking distance from the station. Easy to reach from the city centre, ASML in Veldhoven and TU/e.
Address
Philitelaan 59 A
5617 AK Eindhoven
Opening hours
Monday to Friday
08:00 – 20:00
Phone
040-3400224
Achtse Barrier · Fransebaan
Fysiotherapie Achtse Barrier
Our main Achtse Barrier practice in the north of Eindhoven (Woensel), with evening opening hours and easy parking at the door.
Address
Fransebaan 584
5627 RE Eindhoven
Opening hours
Mon–Thu 08:00 – 21:00
Fri 08:00 – 17:00
Phone
040-2424464
Achtse Barrier · Artoislaan
Fysiotherapie Achtse Barrier
Our second Achtse Barrier location, around the corner on the Artoislaan, close to Blixembosch and the A50.
Address
Artoislaan 6 A
5627 JB Eindhoven
Opening hours
Mon–Thu 08:00 – 17:30
Friday closed
Phone
040-2424464
Ready to book your first appointment?
No referral needed. Usually seen within one working day, at any of our three locations in Eindhoven.