Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat muscle pain, tightness, and dysfunction by targeting myofascial trigger points—areas of muscle that are tight and tender. Using thin, solid needles, the physical therapist inserts them directly into these trigger points to release muscle knots, reduce pain, and improve range of motion. This process helps to alleviate chronic muscle tension, improve circulation, and accelerate the body’s natural healing process.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling focuses on relieving muscular pain and tension through the stimulation of specific points in the muscles. The needles used are typically much finer than those used in injections, and they do not inject any substance into the body. The therapist may gently manipulate the needle to encourage a therapeutic response known as a "twitch" or brief muscle contraction, which helps to release tension and promote healing.

Dry needling is an effective treatment for conditions like chronic muscle pain, tension headaches, back pain, and sports injuries. It can be incorporated into a comprehensive physical therapy plan, offering fast relief and lasting results for patients seeking to restore function and alleviate discomfort.