Dry Needling
Relieve Pain. Restore Movement. Recover Faster.
Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment performed by specially trained physical therapists to relieve muscle pain, reduce tension, and improve movement. By targeting tight bands of muscle, known as trigger points, dry needling can help decrease pain, restore normal muscle function, and enhance the effectiveness of your overall rehabilitation program.
At Bercutt Physical Therapy, dry needling is never a stand-alone treatment. It is incorporated into a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that may also include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement retraining, and patient education to help you achieve lasting results.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment performed by specially trained physical therapists to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve movement. Using a thin, sterile, solid filament needle, your therapist targets trigger points and other dysfunctional muscle tissue that may be causing pain or limiting function.
Unlike injections, dry needling does not use medication. While it uses needles similar to acupuncture, dry needling is based on modern anatomy and movement science rather than traditional Chinese medicine. At Bercutt Physical Therapy, dry needling is performed only after a thorough evaluation and is combined with other treatments, such as manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, to help you achieve the best possible results.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling helps relieve pain and improve movement by targeting tight or overactive muscles and trigger points. Treatment may reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, decrease pain sensitivity, restore normal muscle activation, and increase range of motion, allowing muscles to function more efficiently.
While researchers continue to study the exact mechanisms behind dry needling, current evidence supports its use as part of a comprehensive physical therapy program for selected musculoskeletal conditions. At Bercutt Physical Therapy, dry needling is combined with therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and movement training to help achieve the best possible outcomes.
Conditions That May Benefit
Dry needling may be recommended as part of a comprehensive physical therapy program for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including: pain, restore movement, and improve function.
Neck & Shoulder
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Neck pain
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Tension headaches
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Shoulder impingement
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Rotator cuff pain
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Frozen shoulder
Arm & Hand
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Tennis elbow
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Golfer's elbow
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Wrist pain
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Forearm muscle pain
Back & Hip
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Low back pain
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Hip pain
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Gluteal pain
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Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
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Piriformis syndrome
Leg & Foot
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Plantar fasciitis
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Shin splints
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Calf tightness
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Knee pain
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Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
Sports & Overuse Injuries
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Muscle strains
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Overuse injuries
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Running-related injuries
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Muscle tightness limiting performance or recovery
Following a comprehensive evaluation, your physical therapist will determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your condition and incorporate it into a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. You may feel a brief pinch as the needle is inserted or a quick muscle twitch when a trigger point is reached. Many patients describe the sensation as tolerable and find that any discomfort is short-lived.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. While both use thin, solid needles, dry needling and acupuncture are based on different philosophies. Dry needling is grounded in Western medicine and focuses on treating muscle dysfunction, trigger points, pain, and movement impairments identified during your physical therapy evaluation.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of treatments depends on your condition, how long you've had symptoms, and your response to treatment. Some patients notice improvement after one or two sessions, while others benefit from several treatments as part of a broader rehabilitation program.
Will I be sore afterward?
It is common to experience mild muscle soreness for 24 to 48 hours after treatment, similar to what you might feel after a workout. Gentle movement, hydration, and following your therapist's recommendations can help minimize soreness.
Is dry needling safe?
When performed by a properly trained physical therapist using sterile, single-use needles, dry needling is considered a safe procedure. Your therapist will explain the potential risks, answer your questions, and obtain your consent before treatment.
Can I exercise afterward?
In many cases, yes. Your therapist may recommend light activity or specific exercises after treatment, though strenuous exercise may be postponed depending on the treatment area and your individual response.
Is dry needling covered by insurance?
We are only in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare. Neither cover dry needling provided by a physical therapist.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects include temporary soreness, minor bruising, or fatigue. Less common risks will be reviewed with you before treatment.
Who performs dry needling at Bercutt Physical Therapy?
Dry needling is performed by licensed physical therapists who have completed advanced training and use evidence-based techniques to provide safe, individualized care.
Ready to find out if dry needling is right for you?
Schedule an evaluation with one of our licensed physical therapists to determine whether dry needling can be safely incorporated into your personalized treatment plan. Our goal is not just temporary pain relief, but helping you move better, recover faster, and get back to doing what you love.
