Dry Needling
What Is Dry Needling?
“Is it the same thing as acupuncture?”
This is the most common question I get as a physical therapist who uses dry needling as part of my treatment. The answer is no. We use the same needles but the methodology and theory of treatment is different.
Dry needling is a technique that involves the insertion of thin, filiform needles into specific trigger points, muscle tissue, or fascia to relieve pain, reduce tension, and improve mobility. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles, targeting musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
When a needle is inserted into a trigger point—a tight band of muscle fibers—it stimulates a localized twitch response. This twitch response leads to:
Release of muscle tension: The muscle fibers relax, reducing tightness and improving flexibility.
Improved blood flow: Enhanced circulation helps flush out metabolic waste and brings in oxygen and nutrients for healing.
Neuromuscular reset: Dry needling can modulate the way the nervous system communicates with the muscle, reducing pain and restoring normal function allowing you to move better.
Benefits of Dry Needling for Fitness Athletes
Here’s how dry needling can support athletes:
1. Accelerates Recovery
After a workout, muscles can become tight and fatigued. Dry needling helps reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and accelerates tissue recovery, allowing you to get back to training sooner.
2. Reduces Pain
Using dry needling with electrical stimulation provided a rhythmic contraction of the muscle effectively performing a pumping action of the muscle which allows for movement of healthy blood flow into the area and inflammatory products out. This can be an effective treatment for commonly injured or troublesome areas such as:
Rotator cuff strains
IT band syndrome
Achilles tendinitis
Low back pain
3. Improves Mobility and Range of Motion
Tight muscles can limit your ability to achieve full depth in squats, maintain proper overhead positioning, or perform dynamic movements like snatches and muscle-ups. Dry needling helps restore optimal muscle length and joint mobility, enhancing your movement patterns.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
A typical session starts with an assessment to identify areas of tension, pain, or restricted movement. Once the target areas are determined, your therapist will:
Clean the skin and position you comfortably.
Insert thin needles into the trigger points or affected areas.
Manipulate the needles slightly to elicit a twitch response or stimulate the tissue.
You may feel a brief, cramping sensation or muscle twitch, followed by a sense of relief. After the session, it’s common to experience mild soreness, similar to post-workout soreness, which typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
When performed by a trained and licensed physical therapist, dry needling is a safe and effective treatment. The needles are sterile and single-use, minimizing any risk of infection. Be sure to communicate openly with your therapist about your medical history and any concerns you may have.
Integrating Dry Needling into Your Recovery Routine
While dry needling is a powerful tool, it works best when combined with other treatment strategies such as:
Mobility exercises and dynamic stretching
Strengthening and stabilization drills
Proper hydration, nutrition, and sleep
Consistent communication with your physical therapist to address ongoing needs
Are you ready to try dry needling?
Contact Prescribed Physical Therapy today get scheduled to see if dry needling would be appropriate for you!