Dry Needling: What It Is and Why It Works

Subject: Does Dry Needling Actually Work? Here's My Honest Answer.

If you've never had dry needling before, I completely understand why it sounds intimidating.

The first question I usually hear is...

"Is it acupuncture?"

No. Not even close.

While both use filament needles, the goals and treatment approach are very different.

Dry needling is designed to address muscle tightness, trigger points, and movement dysfunction...not balance energy pathways or traditional Chinese medicine concepts.

What the Research Says

Research suggests dry needling can be an effective treatment for reducing pain, improving muscle function, and restoring movement in certain musculoskeletal conditions.

It's commonly used for neck pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, hip pain, calf tightness, and many overuse injuries.

The best results occur when dry needling is combined with other soft tissue techniques, mobility work, exercise, strengthening, and movement retraining rather than used by itself.

How I Use It

I've been performing dry needling since 2017, and it is an incredible tool and treatment that can sometimes provide amazing and immediate results.

But every case is different. For more chronic issues, sometimes it takes multiple sessions to achieve true tissue change.

Sometimes dry needling is exactly what someone needs.

Sometimes it isn't needed at all.

My decision is always based on your assessment, not simply because someone asks for needles.

When appropriate, I'll combine dry needling with manual therapy, mobility work, and education so you're not just feeling better after treatment…you stay better.

Common Myth

"If dry needling hurts, it's working."

Not true.

Some muscles barely feel the needle.

Others produce an achy twitch response.

Neither predicts whether the treatment will be successful.

My Takeaway

Dry needling is an excellent tool.

But it's still just that, a tool.

The long-term results come from addressing the underlying reason why your muscle became tight and/or is generating pain.

Thanks for reading!

My goal has always been to help people understand why they're hurting...not just temporarily feel better.

Whether you're dealing with an injury, trying to stay active, or simply have questions about what you're experiencing, I hope this gave you a better understanding of your body and your recovery.

If this sounds like something you're dealing with, I'd be happy to help.

Stay healthy, keep moving, and remember take good care of your body, it's the only one you get.

Dr. Michael Price, PT, DPT, OCS

FULL BLOG! DRY NEEDLING: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT WORKS

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