Top 3 Questions I Get About Dry Needling in the Clinic
Dry needling is one of the newer tools in our physical therapy toolbox, and it’s quickly become a favorite for helping patients move and feel better—faster. Whether you’ve heard about it from a friend or saw it on social media, chances are you’ve got questions. And you’re not alone!
Here are the top 3 questions I get from patients about dry needling—and what you should know before giving it a try.
1. What exactly is dry needling?
This is the big one.
Dry needling involves inserting a very thin, sterile needle directly into a muscle trigger point—what many people call a “knot.” These trigger points can cause pain, limit mobility, and refer discomfort to other areas of the body. The goal of dry needling is to release that tension, improve blood flow, and restore normal function to the muscle.
Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurological science. We use it as part of a comprehensive physical therapy plan to reduce pain and improve mobility.
2. Does dry needling hurt?
Most people are surprised by how quick and tolerable the process is.
You might feel a brief twitch or cramp in the muscle when the needle hits a trigger point—that’s actually a good sign that we’ve released the right spot. Some people describe it as a dull ache or a slight pressure. Others don’t feel much at all.
Afterward, you might feel a little sore in the treated area—kind of like you just did a workout. That soreness usually goes away within a day or two, and many people notice improved range of motion or pain relief shortly after the session.
3. What conditions can dry needling help with?
Dry needling can be helpful for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Some of the most common ones I treat include:
Neck and back pain
Tension headaches and TMJ dysfunction
Shoulder impingement or rotator cuff issues
Sciatica and hip pain
IT band syndrome or knee pain
Plantar fasciitis
Postural tension from sitting or repetitive work
It’s also great for athletes dealing with overuse or recovery issues, and for anyone who just feels like their muscles are constantly “tight” or hard to stretch out.
Curious if dry needling is right for you?
Every body is different, and dry needling isn’t always the first tool we use—but it can be a powerful one. If you’ve been dealing with chronic muscle tightness, pain that won’t go away, or you’re looking to improve recovery between workouts, it might be worth exploring.
Have more questions? Shoot us a message or book a session at Back Nine Physical Therapy—we’ll talk through your symptoms and see if dry needling could be a good fit.
