Dry needling is similar to acupuncture in many ways; the same needles are used, and the same effects of increased blood flow and local healing response. The only real difference is that in dry needling, the therapist is looking for tight bands of muscle to place the needle. Placing the needle in a tight band of muscle stimulates a neurological response, leading to a relaxation of the muscle. This can be particularly helpful in treating muscle that commonly spasm or tighten up like the upper traps, lumbar erectors, calves, and the quads.

Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling focuses on the physiological and anatomical aspects of pain relief and muscle function. During a dry needling session, thin needles are inserted into specific trigger points, also known as myofascial trigger points, within muscles or connective tissue.

The goal of dry needling is to stimulate these trigger points, which are often associated with tightness, muscle knots, and referred pain patterns. By inserting needles directly into these points, practitioners aim to elicit a local twitch response, which is a reflexive contraction of the muscle fibers. This twitch response helps release tension and improve blood flow to the affected area, promoting muscle relaxation and pain relief.

Dry needling can be beneficial for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, tension headaches, neck and back pain, shoulder impingement syndrome, tennis elbow, and sciatica, among others. It can also complement other manual therapy techniques, such as chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue manipulation, to enhance overall treatment outcomes. Additionally, dry needling may be used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program to improve muscle function, range of motion, and mobility in patients recovering from injuries or surgeries.

One of the advantages of dry needling is its ability to directly target and release tight or dysfunctional muscle tissue, providing both immediate and long-term pain relief. While some patients may experience mild discomfort or temporary soreness during or after a dry needling session, many report significant improvements in pain, muscle function, and overall well-being.