​Understanding Dry Needling: A Modern Approach to Pain Relief

Dry needling is a treatment where a licensed provider (like a physical therapist) inserts very thin, sterile needles into muscles, tendons, or near nerves. The goal is to relieve pain, reduce tension, and help your body heal naturally. 

Dry needling helps your body in several ways:
🧠 Resets the Nervous System

• It activates your body's natural pain relief system by stimulating brain areas that release endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers).
• It can help “retrain” how your brain and nerves process pain—especially in long-term (chronic) pain conditions.

💪 Relaxes Tight Muscles

• Dry needling targets “trigger points”—tight bands in your muscles that can cause pain or limit movement.
• The treatment often creates a small muscle twitch, which helps  release tension, improve movement, and reduce pain. 

💉 Boosts Circulation and Healing

• The needle creates a tiny injury that increases blood flow, bringing in healing cells and removing waste products.
• This process can help repair tissues and reduce inflammation over time.

⚖️ Balances the Body’s Stress Response

• By calming the autonomic nervous system, dry needling can reduce overactive stress signals in the body—something often seen in chronic pain.

🎾In Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) dry needling can:

• Release tight muscles in the forearm
• Improve blood flow and reduce inflammation
• Reduce pain and improve grip strength
• Help you return to everyday tasks with less discomfort

🦵 In Knee Osteoarthritis dry needling may:

• Target tight thigh and calf muscles around the knee
• Increase blood flow to joints and soft tissue
• Reduce pain and stiffness
• Support better movement and balance—especially when combined with exercise

What to Expect

• Sessions usually last 15–30 minutes.
• You may feel a brief pinch or twitch during needling.
• Mild soreness afterward is common and usually resolves in 24–48 hours.
• Treatment plans vary—some people notice improvement quickly; others may need a few sessions.

Is It Safe?
Yes! Dry needling is generally safe and well-tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Mild soreness
• Temporary bruising
• Very rarely, a drop in blood pressure or dizziness

When to Consider Dry Needling

• You’ve tried rest, ice, and/or medications without relief
• You want to delay or avoid surgery or injections
• You’re looking for a natural, drug-free way to manage pain and improve movement