Research has shown that dry needling can have a variety of effects on different levels:

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• Helps Calm a Sensitive Nervous System
  Dry needling can help quiet this response and reduce pain sensitivity.

  • Neurological Modulation: Dry needling can affect the nervous system locally, altering the transmission of pain signals from the muscle to the central nervous system.

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• Changes How Pain Is Processed
  Dry needling doesn’t just work on tight muscles—it can influence how the brain interprets pain signals, helping turn the “volume” down.

  • Modulate neurotransmitters in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord: Dry needling influences the activation of descending pain mechanisms through endogenous opioid, monoamine, and endocannabinoid systems. This modulation helps regulate pain perception and reduce hypersensitivity in chronic pain conditions.

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• Improves Muscle Control and Movement
  By improving communication between the brain and muscles, patients often move more freely with less guarding and stiffness.

  • Muscle Relaxation: By targeting tight bands of muscle tissue, dry needling can help relax the muscles, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns.

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• Supports Longer-Lasting Results When Paired with Rehab
  When combined with movement and strengthening, dry needling can help patients achieve more sustainable pain relief and function.

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Dry needling is not acupuncture. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine (is a totally separate degree, and can only be performed by Acupuncturists).  ​

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Click here for more research: Dry Needling Articles​​​

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33474635/

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Physical therapists who perform dry needling in WA state must obtain over 225 hours of additional classwork and live exams (post-graduation). 

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My certifications come from Kinectcore and Spinal Manipulation Institute.