Dry needling might sound somewhat intense at first, but actually, it is a straightforward and widely used. It is often recommended by our clinic at Alpha Rehabilitation Medical Centers in Berwyn as part of a broader physical therapy plan. Dry needling is a proven technique to help manage discomfort and improve mobility.
Research shows that Dry Needling helps release trigger points — those tight, sensitive spots in your muscles that can limit movement and cause discomfort. The procedure is generally safe when performed by a qualified professional.
How dry needling works
The process involves placing thin, solid needles on trigger points within your muscles that cause pain. Overuse and poor movement habits are the most common causes of pain in those muscles.
A physical therapist or licensed acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and movement patterns before starting treatment. Their goal is to confirm whether trigger points are part of the issue.
After identifying the issue, they use dry needling to relax the muscles and promote better circulation. Depending on your symptoms and treatment goals, needle placement can last between 10 seconds and 20 minutes.
For most patients, a single session can lead to noticeable improvement in their symptoms.
Why it’s good for physical therapy
At our Berwyn clinic, dry needling is often combined with therapeutic exercises to treat the root cause of trigger points and prevent recurring pain.
Despite the use of needles, nothing is injected into the body — hence the name “dry” needling. This is similar to how acupuncture needles work, though the two practices differ in approach and purpose.
A safe treatment for many conditions
Dry needling can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Shoulder pain
- IT band syndrome
- Headaches
- TMJ (jaw pain)
- Tendinitis (biceps, Achilles, etc.)
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Neck pain or whiplash
- Hip pain
- Muscle strains
- Lower back pain
- Tennis elbow
The procedure is performed by our trained physical therapists or licensed acupuncturists. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the process.
Ready to see if dry needling is right for you?
We’re here to help. At Alpha, our physical therapists focus on improving your pain symptoms to restore your strength and mobility. You’ll receive a customized rehabilitation physical therapy treatment plan, whether the condition is straightforward or more complex.
Call us at 708-788-3880 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment for dry needling and physical therapy in Berwyn.
