When you hear the phrase “tiny needles used for pain relief,” your mind probably jumps straight to acupuncture. But there’s another treatment that looks similar on the surface but works differently called dry needling.
If you’ve ever had a knot in your back that won’t quit, tension that hangs around after workouts, or muscle tightness that just won’t let go, dry needling could be a game changer for you.
Let’s break down what dry needling is, how it compares to acupuncture, the benefits of dry needling, and why you don’t need a referral if you’re paying out of pocket. (Yes, it’s that easy.)
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists to treat muscle pain, tightness, and movement dysfunction. It involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into a “trigger point”, think of these like tight knots in a muscle that can cause pain locally or refer elsewhere in the body.
The needle doesn’t inject anything (hence the term “dry”) its job is to stimulate a healing response in the muscle, relax the tight area, and restore normal function. It’s rooted in Western medicine and anatomy, not energy or meridians.
This treatment is especially helpful for:
- Chronic tension or muscle pain
- Tendinitis
- Neck or back tightness
- Headaches and jaw pain
- Sciatica and nerve-related discomfort
- Recovery after sports injuries
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), dry needling is considered an evidence-based treatment for neuromusculoskeletal conditions, including myofascial pain [1].
–Katherine Hauska, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, on the other hand, is a treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves placing needles along specific points on the body called meridians to stimulate the body’s energy flow or Qi (pronounced “chee”).
Instead of targeting muscle tissue like dry needling, acupuncture is focused on balancing the body’s internal systems. Many people seek acupuncture for things like:
- Stress and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Digestive issues
- Chronic pain and migraines
Acupuncture is performed by licensed acupuncturists trained in TCM theory. It’s holistic and often used as part of a broader wellness strategy.
Why Dry Needling Works (and Why Patients Love It)
One of the biggest perks of dry needling is how quickly people feel relief. If you’ve been dealing with stubborn tightness, you might feel a noticeable difference after just one or two sessions.
Here are some of the reasons patients turn to dry needling:
- Fast pain relief
- Improved flexibility and range of motion
- Less muscle tension
- Better recovery after workouts or injuries
- Enhanced physical therapy outcomes
A 2021 systematic review published in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy showed that dry needling significantly reduces pain and improves function in conditions like neck pain, shoulder pain, and lower back pain [2].
Plus, when dry needling is paired with targeted exercises and hands-on PT, you get the best of both worlds, short-term relief and long-term recovery.
“I have observed many benefits from dry needling including decreased pain, decreased stiffness, surgery/injection prevention, and even resolution of chronic symptoms. I would recommend dry needling vs. acupuncture for someone who is experiencing persistent pain in a specific area. Dry needling tends to be more focussed on the problematic area, which means fewer needles are needed compared to traditional acupuncture. Our extensive anatomy knowledge as Physical Therapists prepares us well for safely practicing dry needling. Overall, I feel like dry needling provided by a certified PT is an effective and efficient way for treating pain.”
–Tayler Boswell, PT, DPT, CSCS
No Referral Needed
Here’s some good news that surprises a lot of people: You don’t need a referral from a doctor if your insurance supports Utah’s new legislation of PT is now Primary Care.
That means:
- You can book directly with us.
- You don’t have to wait for appointments or go through extra hoops.
- It’s easy to get started when you’re ready.
We’re here to help guide you through your options and keep things simple, because healing shouldn’t be complicated.
How Many Dry Needling Sessions?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How many sessions will it take before I feel better?”
While every patient is different, most people begin to notice improvement after just 2 to 4 sessions. For some, relief can happen as early as the first treatment, especially if the issue is mild or has only been present for a short time.
For more chronic or complex conditions, it may take a bit longer typically 6 to 8 sessions, often combined with other physical therapy techniques to maximize results.
We tailor each treatment plan to your specific needs, and we continuously assess your progress along the way. If you’re not seeing changes by the third or fourth session, we’ll make adjustments to ensure you’re on the best path forward.
Our goal is always to help you feel better, faster safely and effectively.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
If you’re dealing with muscle tightness, post-workout soreness, or pain that’s affecting your day-to-day life, dry needling could offer fast relief and long-term results. And if you’re already in physical therapy? It might just be the secret weapon your body’s been waiting for.
Ready to Try It?
We’d love to talk with you about how dry needling could help. Whether you’re new to physical therapy or just curious, reach out to schedule a consultation HERE no referral needed. Let’s get you moving, pain-free.
References
- American Physical Therapy Association. “Dry Needling in Physical Therapy.” https://www.apta.org/
- Gattie, E., Cleland, J., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2021). “Dry needling for patients with musculoskeletal pain: A clinical practice guideline.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(11), 483–503. https://www.jospt.org/
