Dry needling is a treatment technique we use to help reduce pain, restore movement, and speed up recovery from injuries involving muscles and soft tissue.

Although dry needling and traditional Chinese acupuncture use the same type of thin needle, they are not the same treatment. The difference lies in the purpose and the science behind how they’re used.

Dry needling is rooted in Western orthopedic and sports medicine. It focuses on identifying and treating dysfunctional muscles, trigger points, and areas of excessive tension. By placing the needle directly into the affected tissue, we aim to:

• Decrease muscle tightness and guarding

• Improve local blood flow

• Reduce pain and sensitivity

• Help restore normal muscle function

This targeted approach allows us to address the source of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture, on the other hand, is based on Eastern medicine principles and focuses on balancing energy (Qi) along meridian pathways to create systemic effects throughout the body.

In short, the tool may be the same, but the intent is very different.

We use dry needling as one of several tools to support injury recovery, improve movement quality, and help you return to activity faster and with more confidence. It’s always combined with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include strength training, mobility work, and hands-on therapy—because lasting results come from treating the whole system, not just one muscle.