Dry needling uses a thin, sterile needle to target specific muscles and soft tissues identified during your physical therapy examination. Nothing is injected through the needle.
The technique may help reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, and improve mobility so you can move more comfortably.
Most patients feel little discomfort when the needle enters the skin. During treatment, you may experience a brief muscle twitch, pressure, cramping, or an aching sensation.
Mild muscle soreness can occur afterward and typically feels similar to soreness after exercise.
No. While both treatments use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are different practices. Dry needling is used by our Doctors of Physical Therapy as part of a musculoskeletal treatment plan to address pain, muscle function, and movement limitations identified during your examination.
There is no set number of treatments because every patient and condition is different. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy will determine whether dry needling is appropriate, monitor how you respond, and incorporate it into your overall plan of care as needed.
Dry needling is performed by Doctors of Physical Therapy and incorporated into an individualized treatment plan based on your examination.
We combine dry needling with hands on treatment, movement, and progressive exercise rather than relying on a single treatment technique.
Your treatment is based on your symptoms, goals, and how your body responds so we can help you make meaningful progress.