Why Dry Needling Might Be Your Answer to Stubborn Pain

Have you ever experienced that deep, stubborn muscle pain that just won't go away no matter how much you stretch, foam roll, or massage? If so, you might want to consider dry needling—a specialized technique that's helping countless people find relief where other methods have failed.

At Rehab Associates, our physical therapists are fully trained and certified in dry needling techniques. We've seen many patients achieve remarkable benefits firsthand, from athletes recovering from injuries to office workers finding relief from chronic neck tension. We also understand that the idea of needles can make some people nervous.

Let's chat about what this treatment actually involves and why it might be worth considering.

What Exactly Is Dry Needling?

Despite the somewhat intimidating name, dry needling is a minimally invasive technique that uses thin filiform needles (similar to those used in acupuncture) to target specific trigger points in your muscles. These trigger points are those knots that feel tender when pressed and often refer pain to other areas.

The "dry" part simply means there's no medication being injected—just the needle itself stimulating the tissue. When inserted into these trigger points, the needle creates a small, controlled lesion that triggers your body's natural healing response.

How Is It Different From Acupuncture?

People often confuse dry needling with acupuncture, but they're actually quite different in their approach and philosophy. While acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow along meridians, dry needling is grounded in Western medicine and specifically targets musculoskeletal issues.

At Rehab Associates, we use dry needling as one tool within a comprehensive physical therapy approach—it's not a standalone treatment but rather part of a broader strategy to improve movement and reduce pain.

What Does It Feel Like?

"Does it hurt?" That's the question we get most often. The honest answer is: you'll feel something, but it's usually not painful in the way you might expect.

Most people describe the sensation as a brief pinch followed by a deep ache or muscle twitch. Sometimes there's a feeling of release or "letting go" in the muscle. While it's not exactly comfortable, many of our patients find the temporary discomfort well worth the relief that follows.

What Conditions Can Benefit?

Dry needling can be effective for a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic back and neck pain

• Muscle strains and sports injuries

• Headaches and migraines

• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow

• IT band syndrome

• Plantar fasciitis

• Post-surgical pain

The Science Behind It

So how does it work? When the needle penetrates a trigger point, it causes a local twitch response in the muscle. This mechanical disruption helps to:

• Reset the neuromuscular system

• Improve blood flow to the area

• Release tension in the muscle fibers

• Stimulate a healing response

• Decrease inflammation

• Reduce pain signals to the brain

Is It Right For You?

Dry needling isn't for everyone. It's not recommended if you're pregnant, have certain blood disorders, or are extremely needle-phobic. But for many people with persistent muscle pain, it can be a game-changer.

If you're curious about dry needling, the good news is that Ohio approves direct access to physical therapy. This means you can schedule an appointment with Rehab Associates without needing a doctor's referral first! Our certified specialists can evaluate your condition and determine if dry needling would be beneficial as part of your treatment plan.

Got questions? We're happy to help. Start with a free phone consult to learn more about how our dry needling specialists might help you find relief and get back to doing what you love.