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Dry Needling

If you experience muscle pain, dry needling may relieve that pain and allow you to be more active.

What is dry needling? 

Trigger point dry needling is the use of solid filament needles inserted through the skin and into the muscle to release painful myofascial trigger points.

Why is it called dry needling?

It is called dry needling because no solution is used on the needles as you would with a hypodermic needle used in common injections.

How does it work?

Trigger point dry needling uses a small, solid filament needle which is inserted into that painful knotted muscle to create a localized response often called a twitch response. This helps to start the healing process by causing micro drama to the muscles and activates the bodies immune system to decrease inflammation. This helps the muscles to release the tension allowing for improved mobility and pain reduction.

How is it different from acupuncture?

Trigger point dry needling is not acupuncture. It is based on Western medical research and principles, where acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine. The main similarity is that the same sterile, disposable solid filament needles are used. Each therapy has a separate and distinct methodology, perspectice and practice.

What types of conditions are treated with dry needling?

  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer's elbow
  • Headaches 
  • Hip and gluteal pain
  • Knee pain
  • Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Sciatica
  • Muscular strain/ligament sprains
  • Chronic pain
 

What results can I expect from the treatment?

After the first treatment patients generally experience improvement in range of motion, and decreased symptoms. Usually there is some soreness associated with the areas treated. This soreness typically lasts from a few hours to two days. Occasionally patients may have some bruising. The pain can usually be alleviated with ice and doing the stretches given to the patient by the physical therapist.

Is dry needling painful?

We are often asked if dry needling is painful. Patients may or may not feel the insertion of the needle. There is some mild soreness as the needle passes into the muscles. Often as the needle gets to the trigger, it produces a local twitch response that is a quick flash of pain or often described as a deep ache that comes and goes in a matter of seconds. The therapeutic response we are looking for is elicited in the twitch response and is a desirable reaction to the treatment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 828.315.3186.

A referral from your doctor is required. If you do not have a referral, please contact your family doctor. To find a doctor, call 828.315.3391.

The Dry Needling Program is offered in the Therapy Services Department at Frye Regional’s main campus located on North Center Street.


Enter through the therapy entrance.


Valet parking is available.


The program operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Find Us

For more information, contact the Outpatient Therapy Department at 828.315.3186.