What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique performed by trained healthcare professionals to relieve pain, reduce muscle dysfunction, and improve movement. Unlike acupuncture—which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine—dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles. The term “dry” refers to the fact that no medication is injected; instead, a thin, filiform needle is inserted into dysfunctional muscle tissue to stimulate healing and restore normal function.

Do I Have To Receive Chiropractic Care To Receive Dry Needling?

The short answer, no, of course not. During your initial visit Dr. Mace will discuss treatment recommendations and ensure you’re comfortable with your treatment before beginning. Dry needling works well on its own to relieve a number of challenges caused by muscular dysfunction. However, often times muscular dysfunction may arise from a deeper problem in the disc, nerve or joint, and only addressing the effect of the problem, and not the cause may result in temporary results. This is not always the case, and every patient is different. Our top priority is ensuring our patients are comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.

How Dry Needling Works

Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points, which are hyper-irritable, taut bands of muscle fibers that can contribute to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. By inserting a sterile needle directly into these trigger points or areas of muscular tension, we provoke a series of beneficial physiological responses. 

Physiological Effects of Dry Needling

1. Muscle Reset Through Local Twitch Response

When the needle touches a trigger point, it often produces a brief involuntary contraction called a local twitch response (LTR).

This reaction helps:

• Release contracted muscle fibers
• Normalize muscle tone
• Reduce tension that contributes to pain and restricted movement

 

LTRs are one of the most important mechanisms behind the effectiveness of dry needling.

 

2. Improved Blood Flow and Tissue Oxygenation

Tight or dysfunctional muscle tissue often becomes hypoxic (low in oxygen).

The needle insertion increases:

• Local blood circulation
• Delivery of oxygen and nutrients
• Removal of metabolic waste products

This creates a healthier tissue environment and supports natural healing.

 

3. Reduction of Pain Signals

Dry needling influences the way the nervous system processes pain. It can:

• Decrease sensitivity in nerve endings within the muscle
• Interrupt pain pathways to the spinal cord and brain
• Stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins

This leads to both immediate and longer-term reductions in pain intensity.

4. Decreased Inflammation in the Muscle Tissue

Micro-stimulation from the needle can trigger a mild, controlled inflammatory response. This jump-starts tissue repair processes and promotes restoration of normal muscle function.

5. Restored Muscle Activation and Movement Patterns

Trigger points disrupt how muscles contract and coordinate with one another.

By releasing dysfunctional tissue, dry needling helps:

• Improve muscle activation
• Restore balanced movement patterns
• Enhance flexibility and range of motion
• Reduce compensatory movement habits that may contribute to ongoing pain

6. Normalization of Neuromuscular Junction Activity

Trigger points are associated with abnormal activity at the neuromuscular junction (where nerves meet muscle). Dry needling can help regulate this activity, reducing excessive muscle fiber firing and improving overall muscle performance.

What Conditions Dry Needling May Help

Dry needling is used to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Neck and back pain
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Headaches and migraines
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
• Hip and gluteal pain
• Sciatica and lumbar dysfunction
• Tendinopathies
• Sports-related muscle tightness
• Post-surgical muscular restrictions

Why Patients Choose Dry Needling

People seek dry needling because it is:

• Minimally invasive
• Targeted and highly precise
• Effective for both acute injuries and chronic pain
• Often provides relief in fewer sessions when combined with chiropractic care

Integrating Dry Needling Into Your Treatment Plan

Dry needling is most effective when combined with comprehensive chiropractic care—such as adjustments, corrective exercise, and manual or massage therapy. While the needle helps reset the muscle, movement restoration and proper joint biomechanics ensures long-lasting function.