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Dry Needling in Longmont, CO

Personalized care, real answers, and functional dry needling from a certified provider when one approach is not enough.

Release Stubborn Muscle Tension with Functional Dry Needling

Dry needling (also called Functional Dry Needling or FDN) is a targeted technique we use to treat painful “knots” and tight bands in muscle tissue called trigger points. Using a thin, sterile needle, we stimulate the trigger point to help the muscle relax, improve motion, and reduce both local and referred pain.

At Left Hand Chiropractic Center, dry needling is often used as an add-on to chiropractic adjustments and other therapies, especially when muscle tension is the “stuck” piece holding you back. Our doctors are certified in Functional Dry Needling, and we’ll walk you through exactly what we’re doing and why, so you feel informed and in control.

We’re based in Longmont, and we regularly care for patients from Firestone, Frederick, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Hygiene, Lyons, Mead, and Boulder.

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Benefits patients commonly have with Dry Needling

  • Reduced muscle tension and “tight knot” pain.
  • Better range of motion and easier movement.
  • Calmer pain patterns tied to trigger points (including referred pain).
  • Works especially well as part of a broader plan, not a one-off quick fix.
Our Process

Clear steps. No mystery. No chaos.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel welcomed, supported, and confident in your care and understanding of the process.

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Arrive and Get Settled

You’ll walk into a bright, energetic space, get greeted by our front desk team, and we’ll offer sparkling water and a quality snack while you get comfortable.

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Prepare for Your Assessment

At your appointment time, your doctor will meet you in the lobby, introduce themselves and walk you back to an adjusting room. We start by explaining exactly what to expect during your appointment. The first 10 minutes of the conversation are simply to confirm you qualify for our care and that we’re the right clinic for what you need. If we’re not, we’ll give you the contact information for exactly who you need to see.

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Assessment and Exam

You’ll share what’s bringing you in, and we’ll ask thorough questions to get closer to a clear direction. If we’re confident we can help, we’ll move into an exam right there in the same room, and you stay fully dressed.

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Next Steps, Clearly Explained

Based on what we find, we may provide an adjustment that day if it’s safe and appropriate, or refer you out for X-rays if needed. Either way, you’ll leave understanding what’s going on and what we recommend.

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Schedule and Support

Your doctor will walk you back to the front, say goodbye, and our team will help schedule your next visit so you know exactly what happens next.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Meet The Team

Portrait of Dr. Christine Illman, a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Christine Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner

Dr. Christine is known for her focused, supportive care for pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic, with advanced training that helps moms and kids feel more comfortable and more confident in their bodies. She is Webster Technique certified and has completed additional pediatric and prenatal training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Christine also specializes in working with neck pain, headaches, and migraines, and brings a calm, capable energy to every visit

Portrait of Dr. Drew Illman, a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Drew Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner

Dr. Drew blends traditional chiropractic with a whole-body approach that supports both performance and long-term health. He works closely with athletes of all levels, including professional cyclists and world champions, and he is widely known for his expertise in Endonasal Balloon Therapy, supported by ongoing learning and collaboration with global practitioners. He also integrates functional medicine thinking when appropriate, aiming to understand root causes and support stronger systems, not just short-term symptom relief.

Portrait of Dr. Pat Larabee , a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Pat Larabee, DC | Chiropractor

Dr. Patrick Larabee brings over 30 years of experience in chiropractic care and more than two decades as a Professor of Anatomy & Physiology. His career has been deeply rooted in health, fitness, and human performance—first as an athlete and coach, and later as a trusted mentor to patient athletes of all ages and levels. Dr. Larabee has played a key role in helping patients and athletes build strong foundations for pain free movement and life. His approach blends deep anatomical & physiological knowledge with real-world chiropractic & athletic experience. A USA Cycling Level 1 Coach and two-time Masters National Track Cycling Champion, Dr. Larabee has competed across a wide range of sports including volleyball, track and field, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and cycling. He continues to compete at the national and world level in track cycling, bringing current, high-performance insight to every patient & athlete he works with.

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Ann | Patient Care Coordinator

Ann keeps the clinic running smoothly and helps make sure patients feel taken care of from start to finish. You’ll see her supporting the flow of care and helping ensure visits feel organized, welcoming, and efficient.

Portrait of Amy, a Left Hand Chiropractic Practice Success Manager, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Amy | Practice Success Manager

Amy is often the first friendly face you'll meet. She greets patients and helps them feel comfortable as soon as you step through our door. Amy supports scheduling, answering phones and taking care of patients (with a side of humor)!

Portrait of Doza the dog.

Doza | Director of Pawsitive Vibes

Meet our mini Goldendoodle, Doza. Hypoallergenic and endlessly friendly, Doza helps patients feel at ease with her calm presence, happy greetings, and impeccable listening skills.

Areas We Serve

We’re located in Longmont, CO and welcome patients from Firestone, Frederick, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Hygiene, Lyons, Mead, and Boulder.

FAQs

Common Questions We Hear Every Week

Transparency builds trust — we’re here to help you understand your care before, during, and after treatment.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

They use similar thin needles, but the goal and reasoning are different. Dry needling focuses on muscle trigger points and movement-related pain patterns.

Does dry needling hurt?

You may feel a quick pinch and sometimes a brief twitch in the muscle. Soreness afterward is common and usually short-lived.

Can I do dry needling if I’m pregnant?

Possibly, depending on your trimester, symptoms, and the areas that need treatment. We’ll talk it through and choose the safest approach for you.

Are there side effects or risks?

Typical side effects are mild soreness, stiffness, bruising, fatigue, or lightheadedness. Infection risk is minimized with proper sterile technique. Serious complications are rare, but can include pneumothorax if needling is done in certain thoracic areas. We’ll review risks based on where we’re treating and your health history.