Dry Needling
What is Dry Needling?
Modern science. Targeted relief. Lasting results.
Integrative Dry Needling is an advanced physical therapy technique designed to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pain. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is based in Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in neuroanatomy and contemporary scientific research.
Using a very fine, solid filament needle, physical therapists target trigger points—tight or irritated areas of muscle that often cause pain and restrict movement. The needle creates a tiny micro-lesion in the tissue, which stimulates a local and systemic healing response.
How Dry Needling Works
Dry needling produces both mechanical and neurological effects that help:
Break up shortened or tight muscle tissue
Increase blood flow and oxygen to the tissue
Inhibit pain-causing nerve reflexes
Interrupt pain signals at the central nervous system
Normalize the body’s inflammatory response
Importantly, no medication is injected—the therapeutic effect comes from the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Conditions Treated
Dry needling is effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
Back and neck pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Disc issues
Headaches and migraines
Hip and pelvic pain
Postherpetic neuralgia (shingles-related nerve pain)
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Sciatica
Tendonitis and joint pain
Tennis elbow & golfer’s elbow
Whiplash
Who Should Not Receive Dry Needling?
Although dry needling is safe for most people, it may not be appropriate for:
Children
Individuals on blood thinners
Patients with weakened immune systems
People recovering from recent surgery
Pregnant women
Your physical therapist will carefully evaluate your condition and medical history to determine if dry needling is right for you.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Complements other physical therapy techniques
Increases range of motion
Enhances circulation and healing
Reduces local and referred pain