Experience effective results to improve pain

Dry needling is a safe and effective technique used by physical therapists to help reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and decrease pain. It involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into trigger points or areas of tight or irritated tissue. The term “dry” means that nothing is injected. Dry needling is commonly used to relieve pain, restore mobility, and support recovery for a wide range of orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions.

Check out our quick video here to learn more.

Dry needling can improve many conditions including:

• Headaches & Migraines (tension-related, cervicogenic headaches)
• Neck Pain & Muscle Tightness (cervical radiculopathy) 
• Shoulder Pain (rotator cuff issues, impingement, frozen shoulder)
  
• Elbow & Wrist Pain (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
• Knee Pain (patellar tendinopathy, IT band syndrome)
• Low Back Pain & Muscle Spasms
• Sciatica & Nerve-Related Pain
  
• Hip Pain & Bursitis
  
• Foot & Ankle Conditions (Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, sprains)
• Chronic Muscle Tension, Trigger Points & Overuse Injuries

Dry needling isn’t typically painful. The needles are very thin, and while you may experience a mild ache, twitch, or soreness in sensitive areas, the treatment is generally well-tolerated and adjusted to your comfort level.

Many patients experience mild soreness in the area that was treated with dry needling. This soreness is typically similar to the feeling after a challenging workout and usually lasts 24–48 hours. Staying gently active, drinking plenty of water, and using heat as needed can help reduce these symptoms.

Some people may also feel a bit tired or fatigued afterward, which is a normal response as the body begins the healing process. These effects are temporary, and most patients are able to continue their normal daily activities without limitation.

For better results, dry needling is best paired with a comprehensive physical therapy program. While it can provide meaningful symptom relief, physical therapy addresses the underlying causes of pain or dysfunction. After a dry needling session, we typically follow up with a combination of manual therapy, strengthening, stretching, mobility work, and education to ensure lasting improvement.

For most people, results can be seen following the first session with improved range of motion and decreased pain. However, four sessions are recommended in order to address the symptoms completely and to allow for proper progression of dosing.

You’ll receive an email with a link to your online forms — please fill those out before your appointment. If you have difficulty accessing the forms, feel free to email us at [email protected].

For your comfort and best experience:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area—e.g., shorts for dry needling the legs
• Eat a light meal beforehand
• Stay well-hydrated

Your first dry needling session will begin with a walkthrough of what to expect, how the treatment works, and how to care for the area afterward. During your first visit, the needles typically remain in place for around 10 minutes, though this varies based on the area being treated and your therapist’s plan for your specific condition. As you continue treatment, your therapist may slowly increase the duration or introduce different needling techniques such as electrical stimulation to help your muscles relax and heal more effectively.

In Virginia, you do not need a doctor’s referral to receive dry needling from a licensed physical therapist.

We’d love to answer any questions you may still have. 

Feel free to schedule a complimentary Discovery Visit or call/text us at 571-777-1515.