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A stubborn muscle knot shouldn’t dictate how you move. Dry needling targets the tight, sensitive spots deep inside a muscle, one focused part of a plan built to get you better faster.
Dry needling is a technique where a physical therapist inserts a very thin, sterile needle into a muscle trigger point, a small, highly sensitive spot that can refer pain elsewhere. The needle is dry: no medication, nothing injected. It’s not acupuncture, and at Doctors of Physical Therapy it’s one part of a bigger plan, paired with manual therapy and exercise.
“Highest-quality people providing the most evidence-based medicine that produces the best outcomes and creates the best value.”
Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling is modern, Western medicine performed by trained physical therapists.
The needle targets trigger points too deep to treat by hand, helping calm the muscle and restore range of motion.
We pair dry needling with manual therapy and exercise, the active work that produces lasting results.
Gloves, single-use sterile needles, and proper sharps disposal, by therapists with additional training.
Dry needling targets muscle-driven pain and tightness. It’s commonly used, alongside other care, for:
Tight, tender bands that refer pain elsewhere in the body.
Muscle-driven neck pain and limited motion.
Headaches driven by tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
Muscle tightness slowing athletic recovery.
Muscle-related low back pain and guarding.
Stiffness from muscle tightness that limits movement.
See a physical therapist directly, no referral required in most states.
Call us or book online. No referral. No authorization delay.
Your first visit is a full evaluation with a licensed physical therapist.
Evidence-based, personalized to your body and your goals.
Better outcomes. Fewer visits. Back to doing what you love.
The needle is very thin and insertion is quick. You may feel a brief twitch or ache when a trigger point is treated, and mild soreness afterward is common and short-lived.
No. Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine; dry needling is a Western-medicine technique performed by trained physical therapists.
When performed by a trained physical therapist, dry needling follows strict safety precautions, gloves, single-use sterile needles, and proper sharps disposal.
It varies by person and condition. Dry needling is typically one part of a broader plan; your therapist recommends a schedule after evaluating you.
In most cases, no. Direct access rules vary by plan and state.
Your first visit is a full evaluation, your therapist reviews your history, watches how you move, and builds a plan around your goals. In most states you can come directly, no referral needed.
Dry Needling is offered at the 59 clinics listed below. Services vary by location, so call ahead to confirm availability before your visit.
