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Most patients feel a small prick as the needle enters the skin, but it is generally much less painful than a standard flu shot. You may feel a brief cramp or twitch when the needle hits the trigger point—this is actually a good sign! It means the muscle is responding.
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Yes. AtAccelerated Sports Therapy our therapists are highly trained and certified. We use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles. While minor bruising or temporary soreness can occur, it is a safe and effective treatment for most individuals.
It may not be suitable for those who are immunocompromised, on blood thinners, recently had surgery, are pregnant, or are very afraid of needles.
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While both use the same type of thin, sterile needles, the practice and philosophy are different. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to balance the flow of energy (Qi) along meridians. Dry needling is a Western medical intervention based on modern neuromuscular research. It targets specific trigger points in the muscle to physically release tension and improve movement.
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Every body is different, but many patients notice a significant change in 1 to 3 sessions. We typically use dry needling as part of a larger physical therapy plan of care that includes exercises to ensure the pain doesn't return.
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We usually recommend avoiding high-intensity or heavy weightlifting for the remainder of the day after treatment to let the muscles heal. However, light movement and stretching are often encouraged.
Sometimes, traditional stretching and massage aren't enough to reach the root of the pain. If you’re dealing with "knots" that won't go away or muscles that feel constantly tight, Dry Needling might be what you’ve been looking for.
What is Dry Needling?
Despite the name, dry needling isn't as intimidating as it sounds. It is a modern, science-based intervention used to treat muscular pain and movement impairments.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and energy flow, dry needling focuses on neuromuscular anatomy. We use a thin, sterile filament needle to stimulate a trigger point (a hyper-irritable spot in your muscle). This causes the muscle to twitch and then deeply relax, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
The Benefits
Dry needling is a powerful tool because it reaches tissues that manual "hands-on" therapy simply can't. Our patients often experience:
Rapid Pain Relief: Targeted release of stubborn muscle knots.
Improved Range of Motion: Decreased tension allows for more fluid movement.
Accelerated Recovery: Speeds up healing for sports injuries and overuse conditions.
Chronic Pain Management: Effective for long-term issues like migraines, sciatica, and fibromyalgia.
What to Expect
Most patients describe the sensation as a tiny pinch followed by a dull ache or a brief muscle twitch. While you might feel some mild soreness afterward—similar to the feeling of a hard workout—most people notice improved mobility and decreased pain within 24 to 48 hours.
Note: Dry needling is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive physical therapy plan.
Ready to Feel Better?
Don't let muscle pain dictate your lifestyle. Experience the relief that functional dry needling can provide.