Dry Needling: Reset Your Muscles, Relieve Your Pain

Dry needling – also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) or trigger point dry needling (TDN)—is like a “reset button” for tight, overworked, or just plain stubborn muscles. Using a thin, solid filament needle (no medication involved), we target trigger points—those knotted, tender spots in your muscles—to release tension, restore normal movement, and get you feeling and moving better.

When the needle hits the right spot, you might feel a quick little “twitch” (that’s your muscle saying, finally!). This twitch reflex helps relax shortened muscle fibers or wake up weak, underactive ones. The best part? You can often feel immediate relief, which means we can get right to work retraining your muscles to move with their new pain-free range of motion.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Yes, both involve thin needles, but they’re different in purpose and philosophy.

  • Dry Needling: Based on modern anatomy and neuroscience, it targets specific muscle trigger points to restore function and reduce pain.
  • Acupuncture: Based on traditional Chinese medicine, it focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow (Qi) through meridians to promote healing.

What Dry Needling Can Help With

Dry needling can be a game-changer for all kinds of issues, including:

  • Headaches, migraines, and whiplash
  • TMJ and jaw pain
  • Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder
  • Tennis or golfer’s elbow
  • Carpal tunnel and wrist pain
  • Low back pain, sciatica, and hip issues
  • Knee pain and arthritis
  • Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and foot pain
  • Sports overuse injuries
  • Post-surgical or post-accident pain
  • Chronic pain and myofascial pain syndrome

Is It Right for You?

Dry needling is safe when performed by our trained physical therapists, and side effects are typically mild—think temporary soreness or slight bruising. We’ll always discuss your health history, answer your questions, and make sure it’s the right fit for your needs.

Curious about giving your muscles the “reset” they’ve been waiting for? Ask us about adding dry needling to your treatment plan. You might be surprised how quickly you feel the difference.

We go above and beyond for our patients.