Dry Needling

Dry needling is a modern, science-based intervention for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling has helped with conditions such as:

When performed by a physical therapist, dry needling involves the use of thin filiform needles inserted to target trigger points in the body. Dry needling can help to help relieve points of pain that your physical therapist cannot reach through manual therapy. Dry needling is different from acupuncture and is supported by a body of medical research. In conjunction with manual therapies and other treatments, dry needling can allow for muscle spasms to relax, while inhibiting pain at both the local and larger systemic level. 

Dry needling can help with:

  • Pain or trigger points
  • Increasing a patient’s range of motion
  • Difficulty of movement or inability to move

What Patients Can Expect From Dry Needling Therapy

Dry needling is often used as a complement to other manual therapies and treatments. The frequency of a patient’s dry needling treatments will be tailored to their specific treatment plan. Following a thorough evaluation from your physical therapist, a custom-tailored, personal treatment plan will be drawn up to meet your individual needs as a patient. This treatment plan may include dry needling. 

Many patients report immediate relief from pain with dry needling. This relief can last anywhere from just a few hours to days or even weeks. Dry needling can also help to restore muscle function and range of motion by helping to take the pain out of the equation. 

Following a dry needling treatment, many patients report feeling some soreness; this is normal and temporary. There may also be some bruising in the area of the treatment. The risk of infection from dry needling is remote, as only disposable, single-use, sterile needles are used for treatment. 

Please note: Dry needling may not available in all locations due to state regulations.