What is Dry Needling? Benefits and What to Expect

If tight muscles, recurring pain or limited mobility are keeping you from the activities you enjoy, dry needling may be one part of your treatment plan. This physical therapy technique targets sensitive areas in muscles called trigger points to help relieve pain and improve movement.

Because muscle pain can have many causes, this therapy is not right for everyone. Make an appointment with a Mercy Health physical therapist to discuss your symptoms and find out whether dry needling therapy may be the right treatment for you.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a technique in which a trained health care professional uses sterile, thin filiform needles to penetrate the skin into or near muscles and myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are tight, tender areas that may cause pain at the site or referred pain in another part of the body.

The needles are called “dry” because they do not contain or inject medication. Instead, the needle itself stimulates the targeted tissue. This technique is generally used as part of a broader physical therapy or pain-management plan that may also include exercise, stretching, massage and other manual techniques.

Dry needling treatment is often performed by a physical therapist or athletic trainer. However, your provider or another trained professional may also administer it.

What does dry needling do?

Your provider will insert a needle into muscular and connective tissue. When the needle reaches a trigger point, the muscle may briefly contract or twitch. This is called a local twitch response. Stimulating the area may help reduce muscle tightness, increase blood flow and reduce pain, either local or referred. It may also make it easier to move the affected muscle or joint.

Your provider will first evaluate your symptoms, mobility, strength and muscle function. If dry needling is appropriate, the therapist will identify the muscles contributing to your pain and develop a treatment plan based on your needs.

What are the potential dry needling benefits?

Potential dry needling benefits include:

• Reduced muscle tightness
• Temporary pain relief
• Improved range of motion
• Better muscle function
• Greater comfort during exercise and rehabilitation

Dry needling may be considered as part of a treatment plan for musculoskeletal problems involving the neck, back, shoulders, hips or knees. Your provider may also use it for headaches associated with muscle tension, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, muscle strains and certain overuse injuries. However, results vary by person, diagnosis and treatment plan.

This treatment is usually most helpful when combined with therapeutic exercise, stretching and other physical therapy treatments rather than used by itself.

Are there risks or side effects?

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a properly trained provider using sterile techniques. Common side effects include temporary soreness, bruising and fatigue.

Rare complications can occur, so patients should discuss their medical history and any concerns with their provider before treatment.

Does dry needling hurt?

Many people report minimal or no discomfort when the needle enters the skin. When it reaches a trigger point, you may notice a brief twitch, ache, cramp or tingling sensation.

After treatment, the muscle may feel sore, similar to how it might feel following exercise. Mild bruising or temporary soreness can also occur. Your therapist should explain what you may feel during and after the procedure and provide instructions based on the area treated.

Acupuncture vs. dry needling: What is the difference?

The acupuncture vs. dry needling comparison can be confusing because both treatments use thin, solid needles. However, they differ in their clinical approach and goals.

Dry needling is based on an evaluation of muscles, movement and pain, specifically in a physical therapy setting. Your provider places needles in or near trigger points and other targeted tissues to address musculoskeletal pain or movement limitations.

Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and may be used for a broader range of health concerns. Needle placement and the reasoning behind treatment also differ. Although the techniques are distinct, both should be performed by appropriately trained professionals in accordance with state requirements.

What should you expect during dry needling therapy?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows your therapist to reach the treatment area. Depending on the muscles involved, you may sit or lie on an exam table while the needles are placed.

The number of needles and how long they remain in place depend on your symptoms and treatment goals. Some people notice a change after one visit, while others need multiple sessions. Improvement should not be guaranteed, and your physical therapist will reassess your response as treatment progresses.

Tell your provider about your health history, medications, fear of needles or other concerns before treatment. Dry needling should be performed only by a qualified professional who follows appropriate safety, infection-control and training standards.

How we can help

Dry needling may help reduce muscle pain and support better movement when it is included in an individualized rehabilitation plan. Make an appointment with a Mercy Health physical therapist to evaluate your symptoms, explain the possible benefits and risks and recommend care based on your goals.

Learn about the physical therapy and rehabilitation services, as well as the orthopedic and sports medicine services, we offer at Mercy Health.