Dry Needling

Targeted Trigger Point Therapy for Fast Pain Relief

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a skilled intervention performed by trained physical therapists that uses thin, solid filament needles to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular tissue, and connective tissue. The term “dry” refers to the fact that the needle does not inject any substance — it is the mechanical effect of the needle itself that provides the therapeutic benefit.

At Kinito Physical Therapy, our therapists are trained in this evidence-based technique and use it as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Dry needling is most effective when combined with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle. These points can cause local pain, referred pain, motor dysfunction, and even autonomic phenomena. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can elicit a local twitch response — an involuntary spinal cord reflex that causes the muscle to briefly contract and then relax.

This twitch response helps to release the trigger point, reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow to the area, and decrease pain. Patients often experience significant relief after just one or two sessions, though the number of treatments needed varies depending on the condition.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

• Neck pain and tension headaches
• Low back pain and muscle spasms
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff dysfunction
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Hip and gluteal pain (piriformis syndrome)
• Knee pain and IT band syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis and calf tightness
• TMJ (jaw) pain and dysfunction
• Sciatica and radiating leg pain
• Post-surgical muscle guarding and tightness

What to Expect During Treatment

Your therapist will first perform a thorough evaluation to identify trigger points and determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your condition. During treatment, you may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, followed by a deep ache or muscle twitch. Most patients describe the sensation as unusual but tolerable.

Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes, and mild soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours afterward is normal — similar to post-exercise soreness. Your therapist will provide instructions for managing any soreness and will integrate dry needling with other treatments for optimal results.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

While both dry needling and acupuncture use similar needles, they are fundamentally different approaches. Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on restoring energy flow through meridians. Dry needling is based on modern Western medical science — specifically, our understanding of anatomy, neuroanatomy, and the physiology of myofascial trigger points. Our therapists use their knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy to target specific structures causing your pain.