Dry Needling: Everything You Need to Know

Research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, and facilitates an accelerated return to active rehabilitation

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is an effective form of physical therapy that helps treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. The needling allows for the treatment of pain and movement impairments.  The technique uses a “dry” needle, which is one without medication or injection. This needle is inserted through skin into areas of muscle. The technique is very simple, and at Mercy Health, it is only performed by qualified physical therapists.

How is dry needling used?

Dry needling is primarily used for pain reduction and reducing muscle tension.  It is used in place of or in adjunct with manual therapy and deep tissue massage. Dry Needling is typically part of a larger treatment plan.

How does dry needling work?

Dry needling involves the insertion of a thin filament needle to stimulate the healing process of soft tissues (muscle trigger points including fascia, tendons and ligaments, etc) resulting in pain relief and a safe and quick return to activities.  Many people see significant results following just one session and many patients don’t require a second session.

Is the procedure painful?

In most cases, the insertion of the needle is not felt. The local “twitch response” may provoke a brief pain sensation that many patients describe as a tingling, aching or cramping sensation. These sensations are perfectly normal and even a desirable response. Your physical therapist will make every effort to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Is dry needling covered by insurance?

This is a physical therapy treatment and is not acupuncture. Therefore, coverage corresponds with your physical therapy benefits.

What conditions does dry needling treat?

• Neck/Back Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Tennis/Golfers Elbow
• Headaches
• Hip and Gluteal Pain
• Knee Pain
• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonosis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sciatica
• Muscular Strains/Ligament Sprains
• Chronic Pain
• Athletic Performance

“We have seen and continue to see great patient outcomes when dry needling is combined with other manual therapies, said Mercy Health Physical Therapist Eric Moore. “At the end of the day, my goal is to help my clients or patients and improve their quality of life. Dry needling has proven to be a very good modality to allow me to accomplish that goal.”

Dry Needling is available at various Mercy Health physical therapy locations. Find a doctor near you today.