Thin filament needling of trigger points and muscle tissue. Performed only by certified dry needling providers. Pairs with movement so the release holds.
Dry needling uses a thin monofilament needle to release tight muscle tissue and reset the neuromuscular pattern. It is performed only by clinicians with formal certification. It is not acupuncture.
Included inside a standard PT visit. Often pairs with manual therapy and a specific loading plan so the effect lasts past the session.
Upper trap and levator scapulae are the most common targets for neck pain.
Read the guide PillarQL and paraspinal release when those tissues are contributing to the pattern.
Read the guide MoreWorks throughout the body for stubborn trigger points and chronic tension.
See all conditionsMost patients feel a quick, deep cramp when the muscle twitches, then it releases. The needle itself is hair thin and most insertions are barely felt. The twitch lasts a second and is usually described as strange rather than painful.
Acute problems typically respond in 2 to 4 sessions. Chronic patterns run 4 to 8. We reassess at every visit and stop needling the moment it stops earning its place in your plan.
Often, for 24 to 48 hours. It feels like a hard workout in the treated muscle, not sharp pain. Water, movement, and heat settle it faster. Soreness beyond 48 hours is worth a call.
Coverage varies by plan when needling is part of a physical therapy plan of care. We verify your benefits before your first session so you know the exact cost walking in.
No. Different framework, different training, different goals. Dry needling targets specific trigger points and nerve tissue based on your movement exam. Our complete guide covers the differences in depth. See the complete dry needling guide.
No. Texas direct access law (HB 4099) allows up to 30 days of physical therapy care, including dry needling, without a physician referral. Book the $99 audit directly.
Dry needling is part of a real plan, not a magic fix. We decide together if it belongs in yours.