Dry Needling
A targeted treatment designed to reduce pain, improve movement, and help your body move more comfortably.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a skilled physical therapy technique that uses thin, sterile needles placed into carefully selected muscles and tissues based on findings from your evaluation.
It may be incorporated into treatment when muscle tension, trigger points, restricted movement, or neuromuscular dysfunction appear to be contributing to pain or limiting your ability to move comfortably.
How Dry Needling May Help
Depending on your individual evaluation and treatment goals, dry needling may be used to address:
- Muscle pain and tension
- Trigger points and muscle guarding
- Restricted mobility
- Persistent hip, back, or orthopedic pain
- Muscle coordination and movement impairments
- Areas of persistent tension that may be contributing to pelvic or surrounding musculoskeletal symptoms
Dry Needling + Electrical Stimulation
When appropriate, dry needling may also be combined with electrical stimulation. The needles are connected to a specialized stimulation unit that delivers a controlled electrical stimulus to the targeted area. The intensity and application are individualized based on your symptoms, treatment goals, and comfort.
One Tool Within a Bigger Treatment Plan
Dry needling is not intended to be a stand-alone treatment. At Pathway, it is one of many tools we may incorporate when it makes sense based on your evaluation.
Treatment may also include therapeutic exercise, movement retraining, manual therapy, breathing and pressure-management strategies, education, and other techniques designed to address the factors contributing to your symptoms. The goal is not simply temporary relief — it is to use that opportunity to help you move and function more effectively.