How to Access the Incredible Benefits of Dry Needling

According to a U.S. CDC report published in November 2024, almost one in four (24.3%) of American adults had chronic pain in 2023. Close to one in ten (8.5%) even experienced high-impact chronic pain, which is long-lasting pain that frequently limits work or life activities. The health agency also noted that such conditions have associations with increased anxiety and depression and decreased quality of life.

If you experience chronic pain, now is the time to consider the many potential benefits of dry needling. Trained healthcare providers, including physical therapists, use it as one of the pain relief techniques for treating myofascial trigger points.

In this guide, our team at MPower Physical Therapy will discuss dry needling therapy and how you can access its benefits.

Understand the Dry Needling Process

The first step to accessing the benefits of dry needling is to know how it works. Familiarizing yourself with the process can help you determine if it’s a suitable therapy modality for your pain relief needs.

During a dry needling session, a trained practitioner inserts thin, sharp needles through your skin. The goal is to reach and treat the underlying myofascial trigger points, which are tender, knotted areas that develop in the muscles. Myo in “myofascial” means muscle, while “fascial” refers to “fascia,” the thin, white connective tissue that covers and wraps around the muscles.

Myofascial trigger points become highly sensitized and cause pain, especially when touched. By applying dry needling techniques to these areas, physical therapists can use the solid, unmedicated needles to achieve the following goals:

• Increased blood flow
• Reduced local pain
• Improved muscle function
• Alleviate tightness
• Ease referred pain (pain that affects or radiates to another part of the body)

Dry needling is generally safe and can help many individuals with chronic pain. However, since its cornerstone is the use of needles, not everyone may find this pain-relief technique a suitable choice. Here are some examples.

People With Trypanophobia

Trypanophobia is an extreme and irrational fear of injections or needles. According to Verywell Mind, studies estimate that this type of phobia affects 20% to 30% of adults.

Individuals with trypanophobia may find dry needling counterproductive. It can trigger their phobia, which may result in more pain rather than easing it.

Expectant Mothers

Pregnant women should approach dry needling with caution. They should avoid getting it in specific areas, such as the:

• Abdomen
• Sacrum
• Upper lumbar spine

The above parts are too close to the uterus. Applying dry needling in those areas can lead to complications like bleeding or bruising. Expectant mothers who wish to get dry needling should first consult with their obstetricians and inform their dry needling practitioner to determine if it’s suitable and safe for them.

Individuals Taking Blood-Thinning Medications

People take blood-thinning medications like antiplatelet drugs and warfarin to:

• Reduce the blood’s ability to clot
• Minimize the risk of developing blood clots
• Help lower the risk of severe conditions like heart attacks and strokes

Although not severe, dry needling can cause some bruising and bleeding, which blood-thinning medications can exacerbate. Individuals who take these medicines should therefore approach dry needling with caution. If you’re one of these folks, consult with your primary healthcare provider to determine if it’s safe for you to undergo dry needling therapy.

Know if the Benefits of Dry Needling Apply to Your Condition

Getting an evaluation is one of the most straightforward, accurate ways to determine if you’re a good candidate for dry needling. During your assessment, let the practitioner, such as a certified, highly experienced physical therapist, know if you suffer from:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• Joint problems
• Migraines

If you do, your physical therapist may consider you a good candidate for dry needling. Likewise, they may recommend this therapy modality if you experience painful trigger points that affect your athletic performance or recovery and rehabilitation from a sports injury.

Find a Highly Experienced and Qualified Practitioner

Dry needling effectiveness is only as good as the practitioner’s experience and skills. For this reason, be careful when choosing who to get it from and work only with healthcare professionals, such as a physical therapist with a dry needling certification.

At MPower Physical Therapy, we deliver specialized treatments and use state-of-the-art technology to provide high-quality pain-relieving therapies. Our physical therapists have the skills, knowledge, training, experience, and certifications to ensure safe and effective treatments.

Maximize Your Post-Therapy Recovery

Accessing and maximizing the benefits of dry needling therapy also requires following your physical therapist’s post-treatment advice. They may recommend the following to help you recover and maximize your treatment’s benefits.

First, get enough sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults sleep for at least seven to nine hours. Sleep can help the body heal, recover, and repair itself better.

Another tactic is not to overexert yourself. For the first few days after therapy, avoid strenuous activities (especially those that use the treated muscles).

You should also engage in light activities to prevent your muscles from becoming “sedentary” after dry needling. Some light exercise, such as walking or gentle range-of-motion activities, can help.

Your physical therapist will also advise you to drink plenty of water. Water helps keep your body, including the treated areas, hydrated, which is essential for healing and recovery.

Depending on your practitioner’s recommendation, you may apply ice or heat to the treatment areas. Ice can help reduce initial inflammation and redness, while heat can promote better blood flow, all of which can help speed up recovery.

Reap the Benefits of Dry Needling Today

Understanding the process, determining your candidacy, and finding a qualified practitioner are key steps to accessing and reaping the benefits of dry needling. Combining it with other treatments, such as deep tissue massage, can further enhance its positive effects.

If you’re ready to enjoy the many perks and pros of dry needling, the professionals at MPower Physical Therapy are happy to help! Our team of physical therapists, massage specialists, and nutrition experts will use their combined decades of experience to aid you in your journey to wellness and recovery. We also have top-tier facilities, which include AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmills and full-weight rooms, to name a few.

Call us today to book your appointment in our Nashville, Franklin, or Brentwood, TN, locations!