Top 5 FAQs About Dry Needling Answered by Fixxed Studios Experts

If you’ve heard of dry needling but aren’t quite sure what it is—or whether it’s right for you—you’re not alone. At FIXXED Studios in Haverhill, many first-time clients come in curious but cautious. And we get it: the idea of using needles to treat pain can sound a little intimidating.

But here’s the good news—dry needling is safe, effective, and often much more comfortable than people expect. It’s one of the many tools our expert physical therapists use to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support long-term healing—especially for clients dealing with back pain, muscle tension, and movement restrictions.

READ: Return Back To Running Postpartum

In this blog, we’re answering the top five questions we hear most often, so you can feel informed, confident, and ready to take the next step toward feeling better.

1. What Is Dry Needling and How Does It Work?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by licensed physical therapists or athletic trainers to release tight muscles, reduce pain, and improve movement. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points—often referred to as “knots”—to create a twitch response that relaxes the muscle and restores normal function.

While it may resemble acupuncture, dry needling is rooted in modern anatomy and neuroscience, not traditional Chinese medicine. It’s commonly used to address musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck stiffness, hip tightness, and chronic muscle tension.

At FIXXED, dry needling is always part of a personalized care plan. We use it as one tool—alongside hands-on therapy and corrective movement—to help you feel better, faster.

2. What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?

Dry needling is especially effective for treating muscle-related pain, tightness, and movement dysfunction. At FIXXED, we often use it to help clients who are dealing with:

• Back pain from poor posture, prolonged sitting, or movement compensation

• Neck and shoulder tension, especially in clients who carry stress or work at a desk

• Hip and glute tightness, which can limit mobility or cause discomfort during activity

• Muscle overuse in active clients or those returning to fitness routines

• Postpartum musculoskeletal pain in women navigating core and pelvic changes

By releasing trigger points and restoring normal muscle function, dry needling helps reduce pain, improve flexibility, and support more efficient movement. It’s most effective when integrated into a full physical therapy plan that includes education, strength work, and hands-on care.

3. Is Dry Needling Painful?

This is one of the most common questions we hear—and the short answer is: it depends on the person and the muscle being treated. But for most clients, dry needling is far more tolerable than they expect.

READ: Say No to Tailbone Pain

Here’s what you might feel:

• A quick, light tap as the needle enters the skin

• A dull ache or deep pressure if the needle hits a trigger point

• A brief muscle twitch, which signals that the muscle is releasing tension

After your session, the area may feel sore—similar to how you’d feel after a deep workout or intense stretch. This soreness usually fades within 24 to 48 hours.

At FIXXED, your comfort is always our priority. We’ll talk you through each step, check in often, and adjust our technique to make sure the experience is as easy and effective as possible.

4. Is Dry Needling Safe, and Who Performs It?

Yes—when performed by a licensed and trained provider, dry needling is a very safe technique. At FIXXED, all of our physical therapists who offer dry needling have completed specialized coursework, hands-on training, and certifications that meet or exceed state and national standards.

We use only single-use, sterile needles, and follow strict hygiene and safety protocols during every session. The needles are extremely thin and designed for minimal discomfort and precision.

Because dry needling targets deep muscle tissue and works closely with your body’s nervous system, it’s important that the person performing it understands anatomy, movement, and overall rehab strategy. That’s why at FIXXED, dry needling is never offered as a one-size-fits-all treatment—it’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your overall recovery plan.

READ: Rotate Away From Pelvic Floor Tightness

What Should I Expect at My First Appointment?

Your first dry needling session at FIXXED is designed to help you feel informed, comfortable, and in control from the very beginning.

We start with a full-body movement assessment and a conversation about your symptoms, goals, and any concerns you may have. If dry needling is appropriate for your care plan, your therapist will walk you through exactly how it works, what areas will be treated, and how the process supports your overall recovery.

You’ll always have the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback throughout your session. After treatment, we’ll pair needling with movement-based therapy to reinforce your results and help you build strength and mobility where it matters most.

Our team is here to guide every step—whether you’re seeking relief from back pain, muscle tightness, or trying to move more freely again.

Ready to give it a try? Book your first visit today and let’s get you moving forward.