Dry needling is a therapy that uses thin needles to target trigger points in muscles and tissues. This technique helps relieve pain, stiffness and muscle tightness. Licensed physical therapists or trained health care providers typically perform dry needling as part of a treatment plan for various conditions.
Although dry needling and acupuncture both use fine needles, they are based on different medical principles.
Both treatments may help with pain management, but they work in different ways.
Dry needling is often used to treat muscle pain and stiffness. It may help with:
A health care provider can determine if dry needling is a good option for your specific condition.
During a session, your provider will ask about your pain or discomfort and identify trigger points that may benefit from dry needling. Then, they will insert thin needles into these points to release muscle tension. The treatment is typically well tolerated, but you may feel a mild twitch response or temporary discomfort.
Dry needling is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. Some mild side effects may include:
If you experience unusual or prolonged symptoms, contact your provider for guidance.
After a session, you may feel some soreness in the treated area. To support recovery, you can:
Dry needling can be an effective therapy for managing pain and improving mobility. If you're considering it, talk to a qualified provider to see if it’s right for you.
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