Answering Frequently Asked Questions: Dry Needling
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique performed by trained healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and chiropractors. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into trigger points (knots in the muscle) or areas of tension to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing. The term "dry" refers to the fact that the needles don’t inject any substances—unlike hypodermic needles used in medicine.
What Does Dry Needling Do?
The primary goal of dry needling is to alleviate pain and restore function. By targeting trigger points, the needles help release tight muscle bands, decrease inflammation, and improve blood flow. This process promotes the body's natural healing mechanisms, leading to improved mobility and reduced discomfort.
Additionally, dry needling can stimulate the nervous system, interrupting pain signals to the brain and encouraging relaxation in overly tight muscles.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is versatile and can address a wide range of conditions, including:
Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain)
Muscle tension and tightness
Sports injuries (e.g., strains, sprains)
Tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis)
Headaches and migraines
Extremity pain (e.g., hip, knee, shoulder pain)
Sciatica
Plantar fasciitis
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Most people report minimal discomfort during a dry needling session. You might feel a slight prick as the needle is inserted, followed by a twitch or mild ache when the needle reaches the trigger point. These sensations are typically brief and are often followed by a sense of relief or relaxation.
The level of discomfort varies from person to person, but your provider will work to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
What Is the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
While both dry needling and acupuncture use thin needles, the two practices differ in their purpose, philosophy, and application:
Dry Needling: Rooted in modern Western medicine, it focuses on treating specific musculoskeletal issues by targeting trigger points and areas of tension.
Acupuncture: Based on traditional Chinese medicine, it aims to balance the body’s energy (or “qi”) by stimulating specific points along meridians to promote overall health and well-being.
Although the techniques look similar, their goals and underlying principles are distinct.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes, dry needling is considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional. The needles are sterile, single-use, and disposed of after each session to eliminate the risk of infection.
Mild side effects, such as soreness, bruising, or fatigue, are possible but typically resolve within a day or two. Your provider will review your medical history to ensure dry needling is appropriate for you and discuss any potential risks.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
Take care,
Dr. Gina