Definition
Dry needling is a treatment technique using a thin filiform needle to decrease pain and improve movement and strength. This will help us get rid of trigger points and bring new blood flow and oxygen to the area, decrease supersensitivity in irritated tissues by down-regulating nerves, and reset tissues to function more optimally. Inserting a needle into muscle affects the local tissue, spinal cord, and brain. It also restores biochemical processes.
Simply put: It resets the tissues. it will help decrease pain, improve motion, and improve strength.
The needles are filiform, meaning they are very thin.
“Dry” means nothing is injected.
Treatment Example
Watch this quick video to recap what dry needling is, and see a sample treatment:
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No.
Similarities: Both involve insertion of a solid filiform needle into certain tissues of the body. The tool utilized for both techniques is a “dry” needle.
Differences:
| Dry Needling | Acupuncture | |
| Evaluation | Extensive subjective screening of prior and current level of function Objective evaluation of neuromotor system | Extensive subjective screening of organ systems Examination of the tongue and radial pulse |
| Application | Needles are applied specific to the tissues responsible for neuromuscular dysfunction | Needles are applied along specific acupoints and meridians |
| Purpose | Uses the needle to restore neuromotor function | Balance the forces between Yin and Yang that produce the body’s Qi |
Is it safe?
Yes.
Education required to graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree: 4 year undergraduate + 3 year graduate DPT program totaling approximately 238 semester credit hours, National board examination, and additional post-graduate education on dry needling (I’ve had 60+ hours of dry needling education plus hundreds of treatments performed). Bottom line is we know our anatomy VERY well, knowing exactly where to place needles.
Fun fact: in a previous role, I was the supervisor of an entire PT department including 4 PT facilities and our hospital clinic, being responsible for infection control and standard operating procedures. This means I had to nerd-out over cleanliness procedures and ensure that our patients were getting the safest, and cleanest treatment possible. I carry that with me to this day.
Each needled comes in a sterile package and is only used once.
Is it for me?
Good question! If you are interested in the benefits of dry needling, contact me and I would be happy to assess any pain or limitations that you are dealing with, and let you know if dry needling would help you. I would say that I do use dry needling with the majority of my clients and the VAST majority of them see improvements in pain, mobility, and strength.
Contact me with any comments or questions!
Tim Brown, DPT, DN-2
Founder/Owner of Ascend Performance Therapy
Ascend Performance Therapy 