Everything you need to know about dry needling
If you've heard someone say, "You should try dry needling," you've probably also heard a dozen different explanations of what it actually is. Some people think it's acupuncture. Others think it's just for athletes. And almost everyone wants to know one thing first: Does it Hurt?
At FIXXED, dry needling is one of many tools we use to help people move better, recover faster, and get back to doing what they love. Whether you're training for a HYROX race, preparing for your first 5K, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to get through the workday without pain, dry needling can be an effective addition to your treatment plan.
Let's break down exactly what it is—and what it isn't.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique performed by specially trained physical therapists that uses thin, sterile, solid filament needles to treat muscle tightness, trigger points, and movement restrictions.
Unlike injections, nothing is injected into the body—the needle itself creates a therapeutic response.
When the needle is inserted into a tight or dysfunctional muscle, it can help:
Reduce muscle tension
Improve blood flow
Decrease pain sensitivity
Restore normal muscle function
Improve mobility and movement quality
The goal isn't simply to relieve pain temporarily—it's to create an environment where your body can move and heal more efficiently.
Is it the same as Acupuncture?
This is probably the question we hear most often. While dry needling and acupuncture both use similar needles, they're based on completely different philosophies. Acupuncture targets meridians and energy pathways while Dry Needling targets muscles, tendons, connective tissue and trigger points. It is used to improve movement, reduce pain and restore muscle function.
Neither treatment is "better" than the other—they simply have different goals and approaches.
We use dry needling alongside exercise, manual therapy, and movement retraining to address the underlying cause of pain—not just the symptoms.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help?
Dry needling can be effective for many musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck pain
Low back pain
Shoulder pain
Hip pain
Knee pain
Tennis or golfer's elbow
Headaches related to muscle tension
Plantar fasciitis
Running injuries
Muscle strains
Chronic muscle tightness
Tendinopathies
What Happens During a Session?
Your therapist will first perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for you.
If it is, they'll explain the process and answer any questions before treatment begins.
During the session:
The skin is cleaned.
Very thin sterile needles are inserted into targeted muscles.
You may feel very little—or you may experience a quick muscle twitch. This is a normal response and often indicates the muscle is relaxing.
The needles may be removed immediately or left in place for several minutes, depending on your treatment.
The actual needling portion typically lasts only a few minutes.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Most people are surprised by how comfortable it is.
Because the needles are extremely thin, insertion is usually felt as little more than a small pinch—or nothing at all.
The muscle twitch can feel strange or briefly intense, but it lasts only a second.
It's also common to feel sore afterward, similar to the feeling after a challenging workout. That soreness usually lasts between 24 and 48 hours.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Many people notice immediate improvements in movement or pain.
Others experience soreness first, followed by improved mobility over the next day or two.
After treatment, we often recommend:
Staying hydrated
Going for a short walk
Continuing normal movement as tolerated
Performing the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist
Dry needling works best when it's combined with strengthening, mobility work, and movement retraining—not used as a standalone treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Needling?
When used appropriately, dry needling can help:
Reduce pain
Improve flexibility
Decrease muscle tension
Restore normal movement patterns
Improve strength by allowing muscles to activate more effectively
Speed up recovery
Improve athletic performance by restoring efficient movement
Most importantly, it can make it easier to perform the exercises that ultimately create long-term change.
The FIXXED Approach
At FIXXED, dry needling isn't a quick fix—it's part of a bigger plan.
Our goal is never just to make pain disappear for a day. We want to understand why you're hurting in the first place, restore how your body moves, and help you build the strength and resilience to stay active long-term.
Sometimes that includes dry needling. Sometimes it doesn't.
But every treatment is built around one question:
What will help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love?
If you're curious whether dry needling could help your pain or performance, schedule an evaluation with one of our physical therapists. We'll assess your movement, explain your options, and build a treatment plan that's tailored to your goals.
