DRY NEEDLING

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a type of acupuncture technique that releases muscle tension, eases trigger points, and supports faster recovery. It’s especially effective for athletes, active individuals, and anyone with stubborn muscle pain.

While both dry needling and traditional acupuncture use fine, sterile needles, the focus is different. Dry needling only targets muscular and myofascial trigger points—tight, irritable knots in muscle that form from stress, poor posture, or overuse—while traditional acupuncture selects points not only to relieve pain, but to restore broader internal balance. While physical therapists and chiropractors can offer dry needling, only a licensed acupuncturist can perform both types of needling techniques. Dr. Ara offers both approaches, depending on what your body needs.

Dry needling may help with:

  • Sports injuries

  • Muscle spasms and tightness

  • Neck, shoulder, or back tension

  • IT band or glute pain

  • Shin splints or plantar fasciitis

  • Jaw tension or TMJ

  • Tendonitis and repetitive strain

Treatments are typically shorter than traditional acupuncture, with needles retained briefly or removed after stimulation. Some patients feel immediate relief; others notice steady improvement as the body re-patterns. Research supports dry needling’s role in improving blood flow, calming the nervous system, and restoring healthy movement patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Needling

  • Most people feel a brief pinch or twitch when the needle hits a trigger point, followed by a release of tension. You may feel sore afterward—similar to how you’d feel after a deep workout—but it usually resolves within 24–48 hours.

  • Dry needling is a type of acupuncture. Both use the same needles with the goal of facilitating a biochemical response and releasing muscle tension. However, the thought process is different. Dry needling is focused on treating muscular dysfunction and trigger points, while acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and addresses internal imbalances like digestion, sleep, mood, and hormones. Only acupuncturists can perform both dry needling and traditional acupuncture. I offer both, and often combine them for deeper results.

  • Dry needling sessions are generally shorter than traditional acupuncture. Depending on your needs, they can be focused (15–30 minutes) or integrated into a full session if combined with acupuncture.

  • That depends on your condition, lifestyle, and how your body responds. Many people feel a difference in 1–3 sessions. For chronic or long-standing issues, a short series is often recommended.

  • Mild soreness is common for 1–2 days. Drinking water, light movement, and heat can help ease recovery. Most people feel looser, lighter, and more mobile right away.

If you’re dealing with stubborn pain, muscle tension, or athletic injuries, dry needling may be the reset your body’s been asking for.

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