Dry needling is a physical therapy technique where the physical therapist uses very thin needles to penetrate skin and muscles, triggering a twitch response. This causes muscles to loosen and lengthen, which helps relieve pain. Some patients report feeling a slight pinch when the needles are inserted, but most describe the procedure as relatively painless.
Dry needling is an effective pain management tool and a way of stimulating healing in injured areas. It goes after the direct and palpable source of pain, trigger points and taut bands in the tissue. Physical therapists use dry needling to effectively treat a variety of ailments, from headaches and chronic back pain to tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.
“When I started therapy here, I was experiencing sporadic neck pain. It felt like an electric shock at the base of my head on the right side. The intensity was ten or better, lasting for less than one minute. By the third week of therapy, the pain was less often and intensity was down to one or two. Doug and Lesha are great to work with. They were able to answer my questions, explain movements and their purpose to my understanding. All the office members are pleasant to work with. Momentum has been a pleasant, life-improving facility to come to.”
Many physical therapy services are commonly used in combination. Learn more about our related services.
