What dry needling is
Dry needling uses a thin, sterile, single-use filament needle placed into selected tissue by a trained healthcare professional. It is called dry needling because nothing is injected. Within physical therapy, it may be used to address pain, muscle sensitivity, or restricted movement when the examination suggests it could be helpful.
Dry needling is not the same practice as acupuncture. Although both use thin needles, they come from different professional frameworks and are applied according to different evaluation and treatment models.
What treatment may feel like
Some people feel very little as the needle enters. Others notice a brief ache, cramp, twitch, or pressure. Your physical therapist should explain the plan, obtain your consent, and adapt or stop the technique if it is not tolerable.
- Wear clothing that allows the treatment area to be reached
- Tell your therapist about medications and relevant medical conditions
- Ask questions before treatment begins
- Share what you feel during the technique
What happens afterward
Temporary soreness, similar to post-exercise soreness, can occur. Your therapist may recommend ordinary movement, hydration, or specific exercises based on your presentation. More serious complications are uncommon, but your clinician should discuss relevant risks and answer questions before treatment.
Dry needling is usually one part of care
The technique is not intended to replace a full evaluation or a plan for restoring movement and function. At Empower, dry needling is offered within one-on-one physical therapy and may be combined with exercise, manual therapy, movement retraining, or education based on what you need.