Dry Needling

What is it and why should I try it?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Click here for more research: Dry Needling Articles

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

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

My certifications come from Kinectcore and Spinal Manipulation Institute.

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FAQ for Dry Needling

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
The needles are only part of the treatment session. After performing a functional movement assessment and seeing the restrictions, we will focus on those specific muscles for a trigger point release. You will likely only feel an "ache" or muscle twitch once the needle is in the muscle. This is a GOOD SIGN as that means it is releasing the tension in the restricted area. We will then perform mobility exercises with your new range of motion and finish off with exercises for proper muscle sequencing.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO FEEL AFTER THE DRY NEEDLING?
You’ll likely see and feel results immediately or within the first few visits. You will be sore (as if you just worked out for several hours) for several hours after. However, the next morning, you should feel less pain and restriction, and we will continue to stack on those positive results.

Full recovery depends on the type of injury, chronic pain, or preventative care, and we’ll work together to achieve your goals.

PLEASE WORK OUT BEFORE YOUR DRY NEEDLING SESSION. After the dry needling, you will not be able to complete a workout due to the risk of further injuring the muscle. (It is best to rest 24 hours after the needles).