Dry Needling FAQ

If you’ve been dealing with stubborn muscle tightness, nagging pain, or that “nothing seems to loosen this up” feeling, dry needling might be the missing piece.

Smith Physical Therapy+ uses dry needling to help:

• Reduce pain
• Improve mobility
• And get you moving the way you’re meant to

Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just tired of feeling tight and restricted, this approach goes straight to the source: the muscle. Below, we’re answering the most common questions about dry needling- what it is, how it works, what it feels like, and how to get started.

What is dry needling and how does it work?

Dry needling is a form of treatment using a small, thin needle to a muscle to treat pain and tightness. Your therapist will locate a “trigger point”, which is a tight muscle, that is likely contributing to your symptoms.

The idea is the needle will poke at this tight spot, hoping to get this muscle to release, to improve pain, mobility, and movement. 

What conditions can dry needling help treat?

There really is no limit to the conditions dry needling can treat! The most common reasons dry needling may be recommended are likely due to a tight muscle, areas of compensation from muscle imbalances, or a muscle that is not working properly. This is common with people experiencing pain or tightness in your neck or back, hip or shoulder pain, tendonitis, muscle tightness, headaches, or chronic pain.

Is dry needling painful or uncomfortable?

The needles used in dry needling are so small that you likely will not feel the needle. However, if you have an area of tightness or a trigger point that is causing pain, it may be uncomfortable or even cause a brief “twitch” of your muscle when the needle hits those spots. Most people describe the feeling as a soreness that feels like you just did a heavy workout after. 

How is dry needling different from acupuncture?

While dry needling and acupuncture use the same type of needles, that is about the only similarity between the two. Dry needling is focused on finding and targeting the trigger points in a specific muscle. 

Is dry needling covered by insurance?

Unfortunately insurance companies do not cover dry needling. However, we do offer this service as an add-on to your treatment session when you are being treated for Physical Therapy.

Do I need to be a physical therapy patient to receive dry needling?

You do not have to be a patient at our clinic to receive dry needling.  We offer different packages for dry needling that will accommodate your needs.

What body parts do you dry needles?

Dry needling can be done in nearly every body part, but special precautions are taken around the areas of the trunk. Common areas we use dry needling include neck, shoulders, forearms, hips, and calves.

Expectations for dry needle afterwards

Some people experience soreness in the area that was dry needled, similar to feeling like you just did a heavy workout. Some are sore for a few minutes or a few hours, but it usually does not stop you from doing anything afterwards. The goal would be to feel some relief of easier movement a day or so after the dry needling session. 

Whether you’re dealing with tightness, pain, or just not moving like you used to, dry needling could be a great next step. Our team will assess your needs and create a plan that actually gets results.

Schedule your session today or reach out with questions.