Dry Needling FAQ

Is this acupuncture?

No! Outside of the similarly thin needle used, trigger point dry needling and accupuncture are very different. I will be finding restrictions in your muscles called trigger points (aka muscle knots). This is usually a very tender spot or you may even feel a sensation in a different part of your body. This is the area that I will treat with the needle. The goal is to elicit a twitch response from the muscle and disrupt the trigger point with the needle until the twitching stops.

Will it hurt?

Dry needling is often described as a “hurt so good” type of sensation. Patients often feel a deep ache, a twitchy feeling, or referred sensations during the needling process. The process itself only lasts a few minutes. You may feel like that muscle just got a good work out! Dry needling allows me to work more efficiently and precisely than what I can do with my hands.

Does it cost extra?

No! If we decide dry needling is the right technique for your particular issue, we will proceed with what you need without an extra charge.

How will I feel after?

Patients often describe muscle soreness similar to the feeling you get after you work out. This soreness may persist for 24-28 hours and then resolve. You may apply heat or ice if that helps relieve the temporary discomfort. The most important factor in preventing the trigger point from returning is movement! I will give you specific exercises to do to help retrain the patterns that caused the trigger point in the first place.