Clinical Procedure
Dry Needling
Evidence-informed dry needling for muscle tension, myofascial pain, trigger points, and movement dysfunction. Requires evaluation before treatment — individualized to your presentation.
What It Is
Dry needling is a precise, evidence-informed technique used to address muscle tension, myofascial pain, and movement-related dysfunction.
Performed by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, dry needling uses thin, sterile, solid filament needles to target sensitive muscle tissue and neuromuscular structures that may contribute to pain, tightness, or restricted movement. The goal is to reduce irritation within the tissue, improve muscle function, and support more efficient movement.
Dry needling is not acupuncture. While similar needles are used, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles and is incorporated into a musculoskeletal treatment plan.
What Dry Needling May Help With
Muscle Tightness, Spasms & Myofascial Pain
- Chronic muscle tightness and guarding
- Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points (knots that refer pain elsewhere)
- Upper trapezius tightness and tension headaches
- Thoracic and lumbar paraspinal muscle spasm
- Piriformis syndrome
Neck & Upper Back Pain
- Chronic neck pain and stiffness
- Cervicogenic headaches (headaches stemming from the neck)
- Levator scapulae and scalene tightness
- Whiplash-related muscle dysfunction
- Tech neck / postural neck strain from prolonged screen use
Shoulder & Upper Extremity Conditions
- Rotator cuff strain and impingement-related muscle dysfunction
- Frozen shoulder muscle guarding (adhesive capsulitis)
- Biceps and triceps tendon irritation
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
- Forearm tightness and wrist flexor overuse
Low Back, Hip & Gluteal Conditions
- Acute and chronic low back pain
- SI joint (sacroiliac) muscle dysfunction
- Gluteal tightness and deep hip rotator tension
- Hip flexor overuse and iliopsoas tightness
- Greater trochanteric bursitis-related muscle involvement
Knee, Lower Leg & Foot Conditions
- IT band syndrome and lateral knee pain
- Patellar tendon irritation (jumper’s knee)
- Hamstring and quadriceps tightness
- Calf tightness and gastrocnemius-soleus muscle dysfunction
- Achilles tendon-related muscle guarding
- Plantar fasciitis (intrinsic foot muscle involvement)
Sports & Overuse Injuries
- Acute and chronic sports-related muscle strains
- Repetitive use injuries in athletes and active individuals
- Post-workout soreness that doesn’t resolve with rest
- Return-to-sport muscle function restoration
Nerve-Related & Radiating Symptoms
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain from lumbar muscle compression
- Cervical radiculopathy-related muscle guarding (arm pain from the neck)
- Thoracic outlet syndrome muscle involvement
- Peripheral nerve irritation related to surrounding soft tissue restriction
A full evaluation is required before your first treatment. This ensures dry needling is appropriate for you, allows us to rule out contraindications, and helps us identify the specific tissue layers and muscle structures to target for the best results.
Before
What to Expect
Before, during & after treatment
Most patients feel minimal discomfort during insertion. You may feel a brief muscle twitch response — a positive clinical sign that the needle has reached the trigger point. We communicate with you throughout the process to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.
During
Many patients experience immediate relief, while some feel mild muscle soreness similar to a workout for 24-48 hours. Combining dry needling with chiropractic care often leads to more sustainable movement improvements and long-term dysfunction resolution.
After
Safety & Evaluation
Care Tailored to Each Individual
Our clinical protocol starts with a thorough assessment to confirm that dry needling is the right choice for your needs. We move forward with treatment only after you provide consent and we review the projected benefits, risks, and clinical goals.
Dr. Suplicki adjusts each procedure based on your specific physical response and comfort levels. Clinical logic is applied to combine needling into your holistic physical health plan securely. Cash-based service only. Dry needling is not billed through insurance. Fees are reviewed and discussed prior to treatment.
Crucial Information
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Technique is non-surgical and drug-free
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Individualized results vary by patient
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We cannot guarantee specific outcomes
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Assessment needed prior to care start
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High-quality sterile single-use tools
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Dry Needling FAQs
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a clinical technique performed by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic using thin, sterile filament needles to address muscle tension, myofascial pain, and neuromuscular dysfunction. It is used to support pain reduction and improved movement.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. Although similar needles are used, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and neurophysiology and is incorporated into a musculoskeletal treatment plan. It is not rooted in traditional acupuncture theory.
What conditions can dry needling help with?
Dry needling may be helpful for muscle tightness, trigger points, sports and overuse injuries, and movement-related pain affecting the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and extremities. Appropriateness is determined through clinical evaluation.
Does dry needling hurt?
Some patients feel minimal discomfort, while others experience a brief muscle twitch or temporary soreness. Post-treatment soreness is common and typically resolves within 24–72 hours.
Is dry needling safe?
When performed by a trained provider, dry needling is considered a safe, conservative treatment. As with any procedure involving skin penetration, there are potential risks, which are reviewed prior to treatment.
Do I need an evaluation before dry needling?
Yes. Dry needling is a clinical procedure and requires an evaluation to determine whether it is appropriate and safe for your condition. Treatment is always individualized.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies based on your condition, response to care, and overall treatment plan. Dry needling is often most effective when combined with chiropractic care, manual therapy, and corrective exercise.
Is dry needling a guaranteed fix?
No treatment can guarantee results. Dry needling is one tool used to support pain relief and improved movement as part of an evidence-informed care plan.