Dry Needling
Precise needle therapy targeting trigger points for effective pain relief and improved muscle function.
About This Treatment
Dry needling uses thin filiform needles to target myofascial trigger points and tight muscle bands. This technique can create a local twitch response that helps reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow, and decrease pain. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and neuroanatomy. Evidence shows short-term effectiveness for musculoskeletal pain conditions.
What to Expect
During dry needling, you'll feel a small prick as the needle enters, then potentially a deep ache or twitch when the trigger point is contacted. This sensation is brief and indicates effective treatment. Some people experience immediate relief, while others notice improvements over 24-48 hours. Mild soreness afterward is normal.
Key Benefits
- Trigger point release
- Decreased muscle tension
- May improve blood flow to tissues
- Reduced referred pain patterns
- Short-term pain reduction
- Improved functional outcomes
Conditions Treated
This treatment approach can be effective for these common conditions and many more
Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis, common extensor tendinopathy
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs
Heel pain and heel spurs
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Subacromial impingement causing pain with overhead activities
Neck Pain & Stiffness
including whiplash-associated disorders
Golfer's Elbow
Medial epicondylitis, common flexor tendinopathy
Piriformis Syndrome
Deep gluteal syndrome causing sciatic-type pain
Rotator Cuff Injuries
tendinopathy, tears, post-repair
Low Back Pain
acute and chronic, mechanical, disc-related
Sciatica
Nerve root compressions and radiculopathy
Lateral Hip Pain & Gluteal Tendinopathy
GTPS, gluteal tendinopathy, and lateral hip pain formerly called trochanteric bursitis
Achilles Tendinopathy / Tendinitis
Achilles tendon pain, both insertional and mid-portion
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Thumb tendon inflammation, common in new parents
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Median nerve compression at the wrist
Biceps Tendinopathy
Long head biceps tendon pain
Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
Sitting bone pain, hamstring origin tendon issues
Your Treatment Journey
A structured approach to ensure the best possible outcomes
Trigger Point Assessment
Identifying specific points of muscle dysfunction and referred pain patterns
Needle Insertion
Precise placement of thin needles into trigger points
Twitch Response
Brief muscle contraction that signals successful trigger point release
Recovery
Light stretching and movement to maintain improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dry Needling
No. Dry needling is based on Western medicine, targeting specific anatomical trigger points in muscles that refer pain in predictable patterns. Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles, inserting needles along meridians to influence energy flow. The needles look similar, but the reasoning, target locations, and intended mechanisms are completely different. Dry needling aims to release muscle tension and reduce local inflammation.
Have Questions About Dry Needling?
Book an assessment to discuss how this treatment approach can be integrated into your care plan.
Direct billing available for most insurance providers