Dry Needling for Muscle Pain: How It Works & Why It’s Effective

Muscle pain can be frustrating and debilitating, especially when it lingers despite stretching, massage, or other treatments. If you’re struggling with chronic tightness, trigger points, or sports-related muscle pain, dry needling could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

At Impact Physical Therapy, we use dry needling to target deep muscle knots and relieve pain effectively. But what exactly is dry needling, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists to relieve muscle pain by inserting thin, sterile needles into tight or knotted muscles, known as trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in modern Western medicine and neuromuscular science.

The goal is to release tension, improve blood flow, and restore normal function to the affected muscles.

How Does Dry Needling Relieve Muscle Pain?

When a muscle develops a trigger point, it becomes tight, painful, and often restricts movement. Dry needling works by:

✅ Stimulating a “Twitch Response” – The needle causes the muscle to contract and then relax, relieving tension.

✅ Increasing Blood Flow – More oxygen and nutrients reach the muscle, helping it heal.

✅ Reducing Pain Signals – It disrupts pain pathways, leading to less discomfort.

✅ Improving Mobility – Looser muscles mean better movement and flexibility.

Conditions That Dry Needling Can Help Treat

Dry needling is commonly used to relieve pain and tightness caused by:

• Sports injuries (sprains, strains, muscle overuse)

• Chronic muscle pain (neck, back, shoulder, or leg pain)

• Tension headaches & migraines

• Sciatica & nerve-related pain

• Plantar fasciitis & foot pain

• Postural imbalances from desk work

If you’ve tried other treatments without success, dry needling may be the breakthrough you need.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Most patients describe dry needling as a mild discomfort rather than pain. You may feel a quick muscle twitch or soreness afterward, similar to post-workout soreness. This is normal and a sign that your muscles are releasing tension.

Why Choose Dry Needling at Impact Physical Therapy?

At Impact Physical Therapy, our doctors are trained in dry needling techniques to ensure safe, effective pain relief. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or someone dealing with daily muscle tightness, we tailor treatments to your needs.

Book Your Dry Needling Session Today!

Don’t let muscle pain hold you back. Contact Impact Physical Therapy today to schedule a dry needling session and experience the relief for yourself!