Dry Needling Therapy at Summit Sports and Spine
Dry needling therapy is an advanced treatment used to reduce muscle pain, improve mobility, and restore proper function by targeting dysfunctional muscle tissue and trigger points. At Summit Sports and Spine, dry needling is performed by licensed chiropractors with advanced training in musculoskeletal care, ensuring a safe, precise, and results-driven approach.
This therapy is commonly used for patients dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, postural issues, and movement limitations. By addressing neuromuscular dysfunction directly, dry needling helps relieve pain while supporting long-term recovery.
Dry Needling by Licensed Chiropractors
Dry needling at Summit Sports and Spine is provided by licensed chiropractors who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Our providers have extensive education in anatomy, biomechanics, and neurology, allowing them to deliver dry needling with a high level of clinical precision.
Because dry needling is integrated into chiropractic and rehabilitative care, treatment is customized to each patient’s condition, activity level, and recovery goals. This approach ensures dry needling is not used as a standalone service, but as part of a complete treatment plan designed to address the root cause of pain.
What Is Dry Needling Therapy?
While the procedure's name may sound intimidating, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting, and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled practitioners that are certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.
Dry needling is typically applied to an area of the body that has a "Trigger Point." A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band of a muscle fiber that can change function, restrict the range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease the tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local or referred pain.
It’s important to note dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools only and performed by different practitioners most of the time. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function, and orthopedic tests.
Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Instead, it often is part of a broader musculoskeletal approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy, and chiropractic interventions into the treatment of the patient.
Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, foot, calf, thigh, hip, and back pain. While research indicates dry needling is a safe and effective approach for treating and managing pain, some insurance companies may not reimburse for the procedure.
Once the needles are in place we can do a variety of things to assist the tissue to relax via a Tens unit or techniques that affect how the needle interfaces with the tissue.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Dry Needling
Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Low back pain
- Hip and glute pain
- Sciatica and nerve-related discomfort
- Sports injuries and overuse conditions
- Muscle spasms and chronic tightness
- Headaches and tension-related pain
- Postural dysfunction and mobility restrictions
This therapy is especially beneficial when muscle tightness or trigger points are contributing to pain or movement limitations.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment when performed by properly trained healthcare professionals. Our chiropractors follow strict clinical protocols and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Patients may experience mild soreness following treatment, which typically resolves within 24–48 hours and is often accompanied by improved mobility and reduced pain.
Start Your Dry Needling Treatment
If muscle pain, restricted movement, or chronic tightness is limiting your daily activities, dry needling therapy may be an effective solution. Summit Sports and Spine offers personalized care plans that combine dry needling with chiropractic and rehabilitative services to help patients move and feel better.
Contact Summit Sports and Spine to schedule an evaluation and learn if dry needling is right for your condition.
