What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment technique used by trained physical therapists to address pain and movement restrictions associated with muscle tension and trigger points. A trigger point is a tight, sensitive area within a muscle that can cause pain, limit your range of motion, and sometimes refer discomfort to other parts of the body.

During treatment, your therapist inserts a very thin, solid needle directly into or near the trigger point. The needle itself contains no medication or injections, which is where the term "dry" comes from. The insertion stimulates the muscle, encouraging it to release tension and prompting the body's natural healing response. Many patients notice a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility after just a few sessions.

At Adept Physical Therapy, dry needling is performed exclusively by our certified practitioners and is typically used as part of a broader, personalized treatment plan rather than as a standalone procedure.

Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the short answer is no. While both practices use thin needles, they are based on very different principles. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow throughout the body. Dry needling is grounded in Western medicine and anatomy, with a specific focus on treating the muscular and neuromuscular system to reduce pain and improve physical function.