What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into specific muscle areas, known as myofascial trigger points, to stimulate a local twitch response and release muscle tension. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern physical therapy principles and is used to treat muscle, joint, ligament, tendon, or nerve dysfunction.

When performed by a trained physical therapist, dry needling can help reset the nervous system, increase blood flow, and reduce pain by addressing the underlying cause of musculoskeletal discomfort.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

Dry needling is highly effective for soft tissue injuries and a wide range of orthopedic and sports-related conditions, including:

• Headaches & Migraines
• Low Back Pain & Sciatica
• Rotator Cuff Pathologies
• Hamstring & Calf Strains
• Tendonitis & Ligament Injuries
• Muscle Knots & Chronic Muscle Tightness

Our physical therapists use dry needling as an adjunct treatment to complement other therapies, ensuring a comprehensive, personalized rehabilitation plan.

How Dry Needling Fits into Your Treatment Plan

At Pursue Physical Therapy, dry needling is never a standalone treatment—it is carefully integrated into your individualized physical therapy plan based on your condition, evaluation, and response to treatment. We use it to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function, making it a valuable tool in both rehabilitation and injury prevention.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

1. Evaluation – Our physical therapists assess your condition to determine if dry needling is appropriate for your treatment.
2. Needle Insertion – We use thin needles to target myofascial trigger points or areas of dysfunction. This may cause a brief twitch response, which is a sign that the muscle is relaxing.
3. Sensation & Response – Some patients experience mild discomfort, such as a dull ache, tingling, or muscle twitch, which typically subsides quickly.
4. Post-Treatment Effects – Many patients feel immediate relief, increased mobility, and reduced pain after their session. Some mild soreness may occur but usually resolves within 24-48 hours.

Who Should Avoid Dry Needling?

While dry needling is safe and effective for most patients, it may not be suitable for individuals with:

• Recent surgery (within the last 6-12 weeks)
• Active cancer or tumors
• Bleeding disorders
• Compromised immune systems
• Pacemakers
• Skin lesions or infections
• Unstable diabetes

Additionally, individuals with a needle phobia or those who are pregnant should consult their physical therapist and physician before considering dry needling.

Why Choose Pursue Physical Therapy for Dry Needling?

• Expertly Trained Physical Therapists – Our team has specialized training in performing dry needling as part of a comprehensive physical therapy approach.
• Hands-On, Personalized Care – We integrate dry needling into a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
• Evidence-Based Techniques – Our clinic stays at the forefront of manual therapy and rehabilitation to help you recover faster.

Start Your Recovery with Dry Needling Today

• If you're experiencing chronic pain, muscle tightness, or sports-related injuries, dry needling may be an effective addition to your physical therapy program. Contact Pursue Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation and take the next step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.