What is Dry Needling and How Does it Work?
Many people have heard about dry needling but aren’t sure what it really means. Is it the same as acupuncture? Does it hurt? And most importantly—can it help with pain and movement problems?
This guide breaks it all down so you’ll know what to expect if you’re considering dry needling as part of your physical therapy care.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a physical therapy treatment used to reduce pain, improve movement, and speed up healing.
A physical therapist inserts a very thin, solid needle (called a filiform needle) into specific areas of muscle or connective tissue. These spots are often trigger points, which are tight or knotted areas that can cause pain locally or even in other parts of the body.
When the needle enters the tissue, it creates a very small “microlesion.” This does a few important things:
Releases muscle tension by calming overactive nerve signals
Increases blood flow to the area, which brings oxygen and nutrients
Stimulates your body’s healing response, helping the tissue repair itself
Reduces irritation in irritated or inflamed tissue
The result is less pain, better mobility, and faster recovery.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Experiences vary. Some people feel only a light prick or pressure, while others feel a twitch response in the muscle when the needle hits a trigger point.
Common sensations: mild soreness, aching, or pressure during or after treatment
Possible side effects: temporary bruising or tenderness at the site
Relief timeline: some feel immediate improvement, while others notice results over a few sessions
Discomfort is usually short-lived, and many patients find that the benefits outweigh the brief soreness.
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
No. While both use thin needles, they are based on very different principles.
Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. It works by balancing the body’s energy (qi) through specific meridian points.
Dry Needling is based on modern Western medicine and anatomy. It focuses on muscles, nerves, and connective tissue to improve physical function and relieve pain.
Think of acupuncture as energy-based, and dry needling as science-based.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is often used for musculoskeletal pain and movement problems. It can help with:
Chronic back or neck pain
Headaches and migraines
Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff injuries
Knee pain, including patellar tendinitis
Sciatica and nerve-related pain
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis
Muscle strains and sprains
Repetitive strain injuries (carpal tunnel, typing pain)
Post-surgical stiffness or scar tissue problems
It’s also useful for athletes looking to improve recovery and prevent injury.
How Many People in Utah Need This Treatment?
Chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues are common across the U.S., and Utah is no exception. According to CDC and state health reports:
That means hundreds of thousands of Utah residents could potentially benefit from dry needling as part of their physical therapy care.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
At your first appointment, your therapist will explain how the treatment works and whether it’s appropriate for you.
A typical session may include:
Assessment – Your PT checks your movement, strength, and areas of pain.
Dry needling application – The therapist inserts thin needles into specific muscles.
Optional electrical stimulation – Sometimes mild electrical current is applied through the needles to boost circulation and pain relief.
Follow-up therapy – Many clinics combine dry needling with manual therapy, stretching, or exercise for better results.
Relief may not be instant, but most people notice improvements within a few sessions.
Is Dry Needling Covered by Insurance?
Coverage varies. Some insurance companies include it under physical therapy benefits, while others do not.
Best step: Call your insurance provider to confirm. If it isn’t covered, some clinics offer self-pay options.
Who Should Avoid Dry Needling?
While dry needling is safe for most people, it’s not recommended for everyone. You may not be a candidate if you have:
Severe fear of needles
Current infection near the treatment site
Blood clotting disorders or are on blood thinners
Significant vascular issues (like varicose veins)
Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
Compromised immune system
Your physical therapist will always review your health history before beginning treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dry needling actually do?
Dry needling releases muscle knots, improves blood flow, and triggers your body’s natural healing response to reduce pain and stiffness.
Is dry needling painful?
Most people feel mild soreness or a twitch in the muscle, but the discomfort is usually short-lived and many feel relief soon after.
How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and energy pathways, while dry needling is based on modern anatomy and targets muscles and nerves directly.
What conditions can dry needling help with?
It helps with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, tendonitis, sciatica, and muscle stiffness.
How many treatments do I need for dry needling?
It depends on your condition. Some feel relief after one session, but most benefit from several treatments combined with physical therapy exercises.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes, when performed by a licensed physical therapist. Mild bruising or soreness may occur, but serious side effects are rare.
Does insurance cover dry needling in Utah?
Some insurance plans do, but others don’t. It’s best to check with your provider or ask your physical therapy clinic for help.
The Bottom Line
Dry needling is a modern, effective therapy that can help relieve pain, improve movement, and speed up healing for many conditions. While it’s not the same as acupuncture, it’s a powerful tool physical therapists use alongside other treatments like manual therapy and exercise.
If you’re in Utah and dealing with pain, stiffness, or sports injuries, dry needling could be the key to getting back to moving comfortably again.
Pro tip: Always see a licensed physical therapist with dry needling training like Body Solutions PT to ensure safe and effective treatment.
