Hi again.
i also use trigger point dry needling techniques for relerase of triggers and tight musculature. I also use it for nerve related pain, whih requires a different approach. In cthe context of this topic and patients that present with a history of pain which is not resolving with the usual therapy, the firm approach tends to gain fastest results. My patients seek out my method as it does provide quick relief, and saves them money. Most people in pain want a fast resolution of symptoms for the least expense, without the therapist having them return frequently for another experiment to slowly ramp up the intensity.
Experience plays a large role in this approach, as inappropriate use of force can be unwise, dangerous, or economically disadvantageous to your clinic. Alophysio is correct in sounding a warning.

Trigger point needling will not alleviate a person who has tethering of gluteal, sciatic tissue. The tethering can cause the secondary muscle tightness, therefore it needs to be addressed in the first instance. The subsequent development of the triggers, if present, can then be sorted out by the needling approach as described by alophysio. If there is no tethering of tissue, there is no need for deep tissue massage or bruising, and the other techniques should suffice. I do not advocate bruising a patient for the sake of it, but patients should be warned that they MAY bruise, as part of informed consent. I do not set out to bruise as part of the treatment. For the same applied force, some bruise and some do not.

As always, use the technique which is the most appropriate given the assessment, your experience level, keeping in mind the safety and timing effectiveness of the treatment to provide the required results for your patient.

Patients are complex, and there are those that have chronic problems that cannot be cured, only maintained at a more tolerable level. Such patients are not to be considered Physio failures - the patient and therapist need to decide where the benefits lie.
Regards
MrPhysio