Dry Needling Therapy

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a specialized treatment performed by trained healthcare professionals to relieve pain and restore function. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific areas of muscle tissue, called trigger points. These trigger points are often tight bands or “knots” in the muscle that can cause pain and limit movement.

Despite using similar tools, dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. While acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern Western medicine and focuses on musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

 

How Does It Work?

When a dry needle is inserted into a trigger point:

  • It helps release muscle tension

  • Increases blood flow to the area

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Stimulates a healing response

  • Interrupts the pain cycle

Patients often experience immediate improvement in pain levels and mobility after treatment, though results can vary depending on the condition and individual response.

 

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

Dry needling can be highly effective for treating a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:

 

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Neck and back pain

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Shoulder pain (e.g. rotator cuff issues, frozen shoulder)

  • Tennis elbow / Golfer’s elbow

  • Car accident-related soft tissue injuries

  • Sciatica and piriformis syndrome

  • Hip and gluteal pain

  • Knee pain (including runner’s knee and patellofemoral pain)

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Muscle strains and sprains

  • TMJ dysfunction (jaw pain)

  • Repetitive strain injuries

What to Expect During a Session

  • Our licensed provider will assess your condition and determine if dry needling is appropriate.

  • Thin, sterile needles are gently inserted into targeted muscles.

  • Treatment usually lasts 15–30 minutes.

  • Mild soreness may occur for 24–48 hours after the session.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

Dry needling is a safe and effective option for many people dealing with musculoskeletal pain, tightness, or injuries — especially when combined with physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other rehab approaches.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or limited movement after an injury or accident, our team can help determine if dry needling is the right choice for your recovery.