Performance Physical Therapy is now HIGHBAR PHYSICAL THERAPY.

Our Services

Trigger Point Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Trigger point dry needling is a treatment that physical therapists use to treat knots in muscles that lead to pain and stiffness. It involves a very thin needle being pushed through the skin to stimulate a trigger point. Once in the muscle, the tightness releases, which can sometimes feel like a twitch or some mild cramping. 

When used as part of a physical therapy treatment plan, it improves pain control and reduces muscle tension.

What is dry needling used for?

Muscles with trigger points fatigue faster, have less power, and take more time to recover from activities. When a muscle has a trigger point, you'll notice that it often tender to touch and can cause pain in other areas of the body. Dry needling works to reduce pain and restore range of motion for muscles that have trigger points.

Acute and chronic pain
Rehabilitation from injury
Muscle spasm
Tendinitis
Chronic low back and neck pain
Plantar fasciitis
Osteoarthritis
Sciatica
Headaches and migraines
Carpal tunnel
…and more!

Schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist to determine if trigger point dry needling would be effective for your injury or condition.

Hydration

 Stay hydrated to avoid muscle soreness.

Massage

Gently massage the muscle for stimulation.

Exercise

Get some exercise so you can keep the muscle loose.

Questions about Trigger Point Dry Needling? We’ve got answers.

Don’t see what you’re looking for?

What's the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Many times, our patients ask us how trigger point dry needling is different from acupuncture. Acupuncture is widely known as an eastern medicinal practice that aims to improve Qi, the flow of energy in the body, whereas dry needling is rooted in western medicine and addresses musculoskeletal diagnoses. We recommend trigger point dry needling because it is a more individualized treatment that fits into a patient’s larger physical therapy care. It also improves pain and mobility in fewer sessions than acupuncture.

Can I exercise after a session?

Yes, in fact, we recommend it. We encourage our patients to exercise and get back to their normal activities after dry needling. Some soreness is common, but exercise is the best way to relieve it.

What is a trigger point?

Although more commonly known as knots in the muscle, trigger points are taut bands of muscle fibers within a larger group of muscles that may cause pain over the area and lead to difficulty performing everyday tasks. Muscles with trigger points fatigue faster, have less power, and take more time to recover from activities. They are common in muscles that are overused or damaged due to an injury. Trigger points are often tender to touch and can cause pain in other areas of the body.

What does it feel like?

We know exactly what you’re thinking. And no, most people don’t feel the needle being inserted. That’s because the needle is so thin that you likely won’t notice anything. During the treatment, you could feel mild cramping or the same pain or tightness that you’ve been experiencing before.

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