Dry Needling

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a skilled treatment technique performed by trained healthcare professionals to address muscle pain, tightness, and movement dysfunction. During treatment, a very thin, sterile, single-use filament needle is inserted into specific muscles and myofascial trigger points (commonly called "knots") to help reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore normal movement.

Unlike injections, dry needling does not involve injecting medication into the body—the needle itself provides the therapeutic effect.

Dry needling can be an effective tool to help:

Relieve muscle pain
Reduce muscle tightness
Improve flexibility
Increase range of motion
Speed recovery from injury
Enhance athletic performance
Restore normal movement
Support long-term musculoskeletal health

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

HOW DOES DRY NEEDLING WORK?

When muscles become overworked, injured, or stressed, they can develop tight bands of muscle fibers known as trigger points. These trigger points may:

Cause localized pain
Refer pain to other areas of the body
Restrict movement
Decrease muscle strength
Contribute to chronic pain and dysfunction

Dry needling helps by:

Releasing muscle tension
Improving blood flow to the affected tissue
Decreasing pain sensitivity
Reducing inflammation
Promoting the body's natural healing response
Improving range of motion and flexibility

Many patients notice improved movement immediately following treatment, while others experience gradual improvement over several sessions.

CONDITIONS THAT MAY BENEFIT

NECK PAIN

Muscle spasms
Cervicogenic headaches
Whiplash
Chronic neck stiffness

SHOULDER PAIN

Rotator cuff injuries
Shoulder impingement
Frozen shoulder
Muscle strains

BACK PAIN

Upper back tension
Low back pain
Muscle strains
Chronic muscle tightness

HIP and PELVIC PAIN

Piriformis syndrome
Gluteal pain
Hip flexor tightness
IT band syndrome

LEG PAIN

Hamstring strains
Quadriceps tightness
Calf pain
Shin splints

SPORTS INJURIES

Muscle strains
Tendinitis
Overuse injuries
Performance recovery

GENERAL WELLNESS

Tennis elbow
Golfer's elbow
Plantar fasciitis
TMJ dysfunction
Tension headaches
Myofascial pain syndrome

What To Expect During Treatment

Your appointment begins with an evaluation to identify the muscles contributing to your pain or movement restriction.

During treatment:

The skin is cleaned when appropriate.
Thin, sterile needles are inserted into the affected muscles.
Depending on the treatment plan, the needles may be gently manipulated or left in place for several minutes.
Some muscles may produce a brief "twitch response," which is a normal sign that the trigger point has been stimulated.

Treatment typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Most patients tolerate dry needling very well.

You may experience:

A small pinch during insertion
A brief muscle twitch
A dull ache or cramping sensation
Temporary muscle soreness afterward (similar to post-workout soreness)

Soreness usually lasts 24–48 hours and is a normal response.

After Your Appointment

To maximize the benefits of treatment:

Drink plenty of water.
Stay active with light movement or walking.
Perform any stretches or exercises recommended by your provider.
Apply heat if muscles feel sore (unless otherwise instructed).
Avoid strenuous exercise involving the treated muscles for the remainder of the day.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes. When performed by a properly trained healthcare professional, dry needling is considered a safe and effective treatment.

Only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used.

Potential side effects are generally mild and may include:

Temporary soreness
Minor bruising
Small drops of bleeding at the needle site
Temporary fatigue

Serious complications are rare but will be discussed during your informed consent process.

WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE
DRY NEEDLING?

Dry needling may not be appropriate for individuals who:

Prefer not to receive needle-based treatment
Have an active skin infection at the treatment area
Have uncontrolled bleeding disorders
Are taking certain blood-thinning medications (depending on the area treated)
Have significant swelling or open wounds in the treatment area

Special precautions may be taken during pregnancy or for certain medical conditions. Your provider will review your health history to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments will I need?

Many patients notice improvement after 1–3 visits, although chronic or longstanding conditions often require additional treatments as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No. While both use thin needles, the techniques are based on different principles. Dry needling is rooted in modern anatomy, physiology, and evidence-informed musculoskeletal care, targeting muscles, connective tissue, and trigger points to improve pain and movement.

Can dry needling be combined with chiropractic care?

Absolutely. Dry needling is often used alongside chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, cupping therapy, and other conservative treatments to help improve overall outcomes.

Will I be sore afterward?

Some soreness is common for 24–48 hours and is similar to the feeling after an intense workout. This typically resolves on its own.

Schedule an appointment today!

If muscle tightness, chronic pain, or movement restrictions are limiting your daily activities, dry needling may be an effective part of your treatment plan. Schedule an evaluation today to learn whether dry needling is right for you and begin your journey toward improved movement, reduced pain, and better function.