What is Dry Needling and How Does it Work?
Dry needling is a modern physical therapy technique that uses a thin, solid needle to target tight, painful muscle “trigger points” and irritated tissue. When performed by a licensed, trained physical therapist, it can help reduce pain, improve movement, and speed recovery—especially when combined with hands-on therapy and a customized exercise plan. If you’re in Utah and dealing with persistent pain, stiffness, headaches, or sports injuries, book an appointment with Body Solutions PT to see if dry needling fits your plan of care.
Why people are curious (and a little nervous) about dry needling
Most people hear “needles” and immediately have questions:
Is it like acupuncture?
Does it hurt?
Is it safe?
Will it actually help my pain… or is it just another trend?
You’re not alone. Pain and movement problems are incredibly common. In fact, the CDC reports that 24.3% of U.S. adults had chronic pain in 2023, and 8.5% had high-impact chronic pain that often limited life or work activities. See the CDC’s 2023 chronic pain estimates.
Dry needling can be a useful tool—but the best results happen when it’s used for the right person, in the right place, at the right time, and paired with a full physical therapy plan.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a physical therapy treatment used to reduce pain, improve movement, and support healing by targeting dysfunctional muscle and connective tissue.
A licensed physical therapist inserts a very thin, solid needle (often called a filiform needle) into specific areas of muscle or connective tissue—commonly trigger points, which are tight or knotted bands that can cause pain locally or refer pain elsewhere.
When the needle enters the tissue, it creates a tiny mechanical stimulus (sometimes described as a “microlesion”), which may help:
Calm overactive muscle signaling and reduce guarding
Increase local blood flow (bringing oxygen and nutrients)
Trigger a short-term healing response in the tissue
Decrease sensitivity in irritated or painful areas
The practical goal is simple: less pain, better mobility, and improved function, especially when combined with movement retraining.
If you want a clinician-led plan that includes both treatment and long-term fixes, start with a physical therapy evaluation at Body Solutions PT.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling offers several advantages for people dealing with pain, stiffness, or movement problems:
Reduces Muscle Pain: Targets tight or knotted muscles to relieve localized and referred pain.
Improves Range of Motion: Loosens muscles and connective tissue, helping joints move more freely.
Speeds Up Recovery: Stimulates the body’s healing process for faster tissue repair.
Enhances Circulation: Increases blood flow to affected areas, delivering oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed.
Prevents Future Injuries: By addressing muscle imbalances and tension, it can reduce the risk of recurring injuries.
Supports Physical Therapy Goals: Works well alongside exercises, manual therapy, and other treatments for better overall results.
Helps with Chronic Conditions: Can provide relief for long-term issues like back pain, headaches, and tendonitis.
Dry needling is a versatile tool that not only eases pain but also helps your body move better and recover faster, making it a valuable addition to physical therapy care.
Dry needling vs. acupuncture: what’s the difference?
Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, but they come from different frameworks and are used for different clinical goals.
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on meridians and energy pathways.
Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neuro-musculoskeletal science and focuses on muscles, nerves, and connective tissue—often targeting trigger points and movement-related dysfunction.
The takeaway: same tool (needles), different system and purpose.
What does dry needling feel like?
Experiences vary, but here’s what most patients report:
A quick “pinch” or mild pressure as the needle goes in
A brief twitch response when the needle hits a trigger point (this can feel like a quick cramp or flutter)
Temporary soreness afterward—similar to a workout soreness
Most discomfort is short-lived. Many people feel looser and move easier after treatment, while others notice change over a few sessions.
Common, normal side effects
Mild bruising
Local tenderness
Temporary soreness (often 24–48 hours)
Rare but serious risks (why training matters)
Serious complications are uncommon, but they’re part of informed consent. Dry needling is a skilled intervention and should be performed by appropriately trained clinicians who follow safety standards. A clinical review published by the Orthopaedic Section notes that mild adverse events like soreness and bruising are most common, while serious events (like pneumothorax) are rare and typically tied to poor technique or failure to follow practice standards. Read the Orthopaedic Section overview of adverse events and safety.
At Body Solutions PT, our physical therapist reviews your history, explains what they’re doing, and uses dry needling only when it fits your case—never as a one-size-fits-all solution. Book an consultation now.
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 may help with:
Chronic back or neck pain
Headaches and migraines associated with neck/shoulder tension
Shoulder pain (including rotator cuff-related issues)
Knee pain (including patellar tendon irritation)
Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms that involve muscle guarding
Tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon irritation
Muscle strains, sprains, and overuse injuries
Repetitive strain issues (typing pain, forearm tightness)
Post-surgical stiffness or scar-related mobility limits
Sports recovery and injury prevention support
Dry needling can help reduce the “pain noise” and restore motion—so you can actually build strength and resilience with exercise.
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.
How dry needling works best: as part of a full PT plan
Dry needling isn’t meant to be a standalone “magic fix.” Think of it as a tool that can help you:
Move with less pain
Access a fuller range of motion
Tolerate strengthening and mobility work more effectively
That’s why Body Solutions PT typically combines dry needling with:
Movement assessment and diagnosis
Hands-on manual therapy when needed
Mobility work for joints and soft tissue
Strength training targeted to your goals
A realistic home program you can actually follow
If you’ve tried rest, stretching, or massage without lasting change, dry needling plus a structured plan may be the missing link.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Appointment?
Your first visit starts with an evaluation. Your therapist will identify what’s driving your pain and movement limits—and whether dry needling is appropriate.
A typical treatment flow looks like this:
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.
Aftercare: what to do (and not do) after dry needling
Most people do best with simple, common-sense recovery steps.
Do:
Drink water and move gently (light walking is great)
Use heat if you feel sore and tight (unless your therapist advises otherwise)
Expect mild soreness for up to 48 hours
Follow the home exercises you were given
Avoid (for 24 hours if you’re sore):
Heavy lifting or high-intensity training that spikes pain
Aggressive stretching that feels sharp or nerve-like
“Testing it” with maximal effort
If you experience unusual symptoms (significant swelling, worsening neurological symptoms, shortness of breath, fever, or severe pain), contact your provider promptly.
Who should avoid dry needling?
Dry needling is safe for many people, but it’s not for everyone. You may not be a candidate if you have:
Severe fear of needles (vasovagal fainting risk)
A current infection near the treatment area
Certain blood clotting disorders or you’re on blood thinners (case-by-case)
Significant vascular concerns in the target region
Pregnancy (especially first trimester—case-by-case and clinician dependent)
A compromised immune system (case-by-case)
Your physical therapist will review your medical history and explain options. If dry needling isn’t right for you, there are many other ways to address pain and movement issues through physical therapy.
Why Body Solutions PT (and why training matters)
Dry needling is a skilled technique. Results and safety depend heavily on:
Proper patient selection
Anatomy knowledge
Technique and needle placement
Clean procedures and safety protocols
Integrating needling into a bigger plan (not using it as a shortcut)
Body Solutions PT takes a movement-first approach: we use interventions that help you feel better today and build the strength, mobility, and confidence you need to stay better.
To learn more about how we treat pain and performance, visit About Body Solutions PT or explore locations in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dry needling actually do?
Dry needling targets tight trigger points and irritated tissue to reduce muscle guarding and pain sensitivity, helping you move more comfortably.
Is dry needling painful?
Most people feel a brief pinch and sometimes a quick muscle twitch. Mild soreness afterward is common, but it typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
Does dry needling help cervical dystonia secondary to cerebral palsy?
Dry needling may help reduce muscle pain and tightness, but evidence is limited for treating cervical dystonia itself, especially when it is secondary to cerebral palsy.
Cervical dystonia related to cerebral palsy is primarily a neurological movement disorder, not just a muscular problem. Dry needling can help by:
Reducing myofascial trigger point pain
Decreasing muscle stiffness and secondary muscle overactivity
Improving comfort and tolerance to movement
However, dry needling does not address the underlying neurological cause of dystonia. It is best used as part of a multidisciplinary management plan, alongside neuro-physiotherapy, postural retraining, and medical treatments such as botulinum toxin when appropriate.
Summary: Dry needling can support pain management but is not a standalone treatment for cervical dystonia in cerebral palsy.
Is Cupping better than acupuncture or dry needling?
Cupping is not proven to be better than acupuncture or dry needling; the most effective therapy depends on the condition being treated.
Dry needling is most effective for myofascial pain, trigger points, and movement restriction.
Acupuncture has evidence for pain modulation and certain headache conditions.
Cupping primarily provides short-term pain relief through superficial tissue decompression.
For muscle-based pain and dysfunction, dry needling generally has stronger clinical evidence than cupping. Cupping may be used as an adjunct, but it is rarely the primary treatment of choice.
Summary: Dry needling is usually more effective than cupping for muscle pain and movement issues.
How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on traditional meridians and energy pathways, while dry needling is based on modern anatomy and targets muscles and connective tissue to improve function.
How does dry needling work in physiotherapy?
Dry needling works by targeting dysfunctional muscle tissue to reduce pain and restore normal movement.
In physiotherapy, dry needling:
Deactivates myofascial trigger points
Reduces abnormal muscle tension
Modulates pain signals in the nervous system
Improves blood flow and muscle activation
A fine filament needle is inserted into affected muscle tissue to stimulate a local response, often producing a brief muscle twitch. This helps reset muscle function and reduce pain sensitivity.
Dry needling is most effective when combined with exercise therapy, stretching, and movement retraining.
What conditions can dry needling help with?
It’s commonly used for neck/back pain, headaches, shoulder pain, tendon irritation, sports injuries, muscle strains, and post-surgical stiffness—especially when combined with physical therapy.
Is dry needling therapy effective and safe for cervical headaches?
Dry needling is generally safe and effective for cervicogenic headaches and tension-type headaches when performed by a trained physiotherapist.
Evidence shows dry needling can:
Reduce headache intensity and frequency
Decrease neck and shoulder muscle tension
Improve cervical spine mobility
Safety depends on clinician training and patient suitability. Dry needling may not be appropriate for individuals with bleeding disorders, certain vascular conditions, or severe needle anxiety.
Summary: Dry needling is a safe and effective adjunct treatment for many cervical headaches when used appropriately.
Is dry needling a standalone treatment?
No. Dry needling is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy program.
Long-term improvement requires:
Exercise-based rehabilitation
Movement retraining
Load management
Education and self-management strategies
Dry needling is a tool to reduce pain and improve movement, not a cure on its own.
How many dry needling sessions do I need?
It depends on your condition, goals, and how long symptoms have been present. Some feel change after one session, but many improve over several visits paired with strengthening and movement retraining.
How does dry needling help with sports injuries?
Dry needling helps sports injuries by reducing muscle pain, improving movement, and supporting faster rehabilitation.
In athletes, dry needling can:
Reduce muscle guarding and spasm
Improve flexibility and joint mechanics
Restore proper muscle activation patterns
Enhance tolerance to strengthening and return-to-sport exercises
It is commonly used for conditions such as hamstring strains, calf injuries, shoulder dysfunction, and tendinopathy (as an adjunct).
Dry needling does not repair damaged tissue, but it optimizes muscle function so rehabilitation exercises are more effective.
Summary: Dry needling supports recovery from sports injuries when combined with active rehabilitation.
Is dry needling safe?
When performed by a trained, licensed clinician following safety standards, it’s generally safe. Mild soreness and bruising are the most common side effects; serious complications are rare.
The Bottom Line
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-informed tool that many physical therapists use to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients progress faster—especially when pain and muscle guarding are preventing normal movement.
If you’re in Utah and dealing with pain, stiffness, headaches, or sports injuries, dry needling may be a helpful part of your physical therapy plan—after a proper evaluation.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with Body Solutions PT and get a plan that helps you move, feel, and live better.
Pro tip: Always see a licensed physical therapist with dry needling training like Body Solutions PT to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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