Dry needling is a highly effective clinical technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. Performed by our specially trained physical therapists, this treatment targets “knots” or trigger points to provide immediate relief and long-term functional improvement.
“After my first session and after a month I was able to sit normally without having pain in my hip. What a gift!”
Laura Hochstetler
5 Star Review
How Dry Needling Can Help You
Relieves chronic tension headaches, migraines, and referred neck pain through targeted neuromuscular release.
Treats lateral and medial epicondylitis to restore grip strength and eliminate elbow inflammation.
Repairs muscle tears and addresses localized tightness in the lower extremities to prevent recurring pulls.
Reduces jaw dysfunction, clicking, and facial tension by releasing the muscles of mastication.
Addresses heel and lower calf inflammation to restore ankle mobility and pain-free movement.
Treats "Jumper’s Knee" and tendon strain to improve knee stability and explosive leg power.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique in which a trained physical therapist inserts small, sterile filament needles into the skin and muscle directly at musculoskeletal restrictions or trigger points.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and “energy flow,” dry needling is based on modern Western medical principles and human anatomy. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it often generates a local twitch response. This involuntary muscle contraction is the “reset” button for your nervous system, helping to release deep-seated muscle tension and reset the chemical environment around the nerve.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most patients don't even feel the needle insertion. When the needle hits the trigger point, you may feel a brief "cramp" or "twitch" sensation. This is a positive sign that the muscle is releasing.
You may feel some mild soreness in the treated area for 24–48 hours, similar to the feeling after an intense workout.
Many patients report increased range of motion and decreased pain immediately following their first or second session.
Integrated Care
At Zarett Rehab & Fitness, dry needling is rarely a standalone treatment. We integrate it into your larger Physical Therapy or Fitness plan. By “quieting” a painful trigger point with a needle, we create a window of opportunity where you can perform corrective exercises and strength training with less pain and better form.
No. While the needles are similar, the philosophy and application are different. Dry needling focuses specifically on the neuromuscular system, trigger points, and connective tissue to treat pain and movement dysfunction.
Yes. Our physical therapists are highly trained and certified in dry needling. We use single-use, sterile, disposable needles to ensure the highest level of safety.
Dry needling is often performed as a manual therapy component of a larger Physical Therapy session. Coverage varies by provider. Our front desk can help you determine if your plan covers this modality.
If you have a “knot” that won’t go away or chronic pain that hasn’t responded to traditional stretching, dry needling might be the solution you’ve been looking for.
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