What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves inserting thin, sterile, filiform needles directly into trigger points or tight bands of muscle tissue. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine concepts of energy flow, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles, targeting specific muscular and myofascial trigger points.
The needle creates a local twitch response in the muscle, which can help release tension, improve blood flow, and interrupt the pain signals associated with a trigger point.
How Dry Needling Works
Dry needling targets the specific muscles identified as contributing to your pain or restricted movement.
Assessment
We identify the specific trigger points or tight muscle bands contributing to your symptoms.
Needle insertion
Thin, sterile needles are inserted directly into the identified points, often producing a brief muscle twitch.
Post-treatment care
We may follow with stretching or other therapies to reinforce the muscle’s improved response.
Benefits of Dry Needling
- Directly targets trigger points — that contribute to pain and restricted movement.
- Reduces muscle tension — by producing a local twitch response that helps release tight muscle bands.
- Improves range of motion — in muscles affected by chronic tightness.
- Complements other therapies — including manual therapy and therapeutic exercise.
- Precise and targeted — reaching deeper muscle layers that may be difficult to access with hands-on techniques alone.
What to Expect
Dry needling is typically used for specific, localized muscle issues identified during your evaluation.
- A brief assessment to identify the specific muscles to be treated
- Insertion of thin needles into the target areas, which may produce a brief cramping or twitch sensation
- A session that typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes
- Possible mild soreness in the treated area for a day or two afterward, similar to a deep muscle workout
Good to know
Dry needling isn’t appropriate for everyone, including those with certain bleeding disorders or during pregnancy over certain areas. call 386-400-3620 to discuss whether it’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture? +
They use similar, thin needles, but the approach is different. Dry needling targets specific muscular trigger points based on Western anatomical principles, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine concepts.
Does dry needling hurt? +
You may feel a brief cramping or twitch sensation as the needle contacts the trigger point, but many patients tolerate it well. Discomfort is usually brief.
Will I be sore after dry needling? +
Mild soreness in the treated muscle for a day or two is common, similar to how muscles feel after an intense workout.
What conditions is dry needling used for? +
It’s commonly used for muscle tightness, trigger points, and chronic pain conditions involving specific muscle groups.
Is dry needling safe? +
Yes, when performed by a trained provider using sterile, single-use needles. We screen for any conditions that might make dry needling inappropriate before treatment.
How many sessions will I need? +
It varies based on your condition. Some patients feel relief after one session, while others benefit from a series of treatments.
