What Is Dry Needling? A Beginner’s Guide for Avon Patients
- Dr. Gina Croft, PT, DPT
- Aug 19
- 4 min read
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by licensed physical therapists to relieve muscle pain and improve mobility. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points in the muscle tissue—commonly referred to as trigger points. These are tight or knotted areas that can cause pain, restrict movement, or refer discomfort to other parts of the body.
At Next Level PT in Avon, OH, dry needling is often used as part of a personalized treatment plan to help patients reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore normal function. The needle causes a brief twitch response in the muscle, which helps release the knot and reset the tissue’s normal tone.
Unlike treatments that rely on medication or surgery, dry needling works by stimulating your body’s natural healing processes. It’s designed to reduce inflammation, improve neuromuscular function, and speed up recovery—all with minimal downtime.
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture may look similar at first glance, but they’re fundamentally different in purpose and approach. Both use thin, sterile needles inserted into the skin, but that’s where the similarities end.
Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow—or “Qi”—through specific meridian points. It’s typically used to promote general wellness, reduce stress, or address a variety of systemic health concerns.
Dry needling, on the other hand, is based on modern Western medicine and anatomy. At Next Level PT in Avon, OH, dry needling is used to directly treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. The focus is on targeting trigger points—tight bands of muscle that cause pain, stiffness, or referred symptoms—so that the tissue can relax and heal.
Understanding the difference helps patients feel more confident about choosing the right technique for their goals. Dry needling is not a form of acupuncture—it’s a clinical tool used by physical therapists to help you move better and feel better.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help Treat?
Dry needling is a versatile tool that can be used to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, especially those related to muscle tension, restricted movement, or nerve irritation. At Next Level PT in Avon, OH, patients often turn to dry needling for conditions that haven’t fully responded to traditional stretching or strengthening exercises.
Some of the most common conditions we treat with dry needling include:
Neck and shoulder pain from poor posture or desk work
Low back pain related to tight muscles or muscle imbalances
Headaches and migraines triggered by muscle tension in the neck and upper shoulders
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Knee pain and patellar tracking issues
Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
Sports injuries involving muscle strain or overuse
Dry needling works best when integrated into a broader physical therapy plan. It’s not a standalone cure, but it can significantly enhance outcomes by helping muscles relax, restoring mobility, and accelerating recovery.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session at Next Level PT
If you’ve never experienced dry needling before, it’s natural to feel a bit unsure. At Next Level PT in Avon, OH, we take time to explain each step of the process so you feel informed and comfortable from start to finish.
During your session, your therapist will identify areas of muscle tightness or trigger points based on your symptoms and movement patterns. Once located, a thin, sterile needle is inserted directly into the muscle tissue. Most patients feel a brief twitch or cramping sensation—that’s the muscle responding to the release. The discomfort is typically mild and lasts only a few seconds.
The session may involve multiple points depending on your condition. Afterward, you may feel some mild soreness—similar to what you’d feel after a good workout—but most people report feeling looser, more mobile, and less tense almost immediately.
There’s no downtime required, and you’ll often continue with stretching or gentle movement after your needling to help reinforce the benefits. It’s a quick, targeted approach that fits seamlessly into your customized plan of care.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Try Dry Needling
Dry needling can be a valuable tool for many patients, but like any technique, it isn’t right for everyone. At Next Level PT in Avon, OH, we carefully evaluate each person’s health history, goals, and current condition before recommending dry needling as part of their treatment plan.
You may be a good candidate for dry needling if you:
Have muscle tightness or trigger points that haven’t responded to other treatments
Experience tension-related headaches or neck pain
Are recovering from a sports injury or overuse condition
Want faster relief from muscular discomfort to support better movement
However, dry needling may not be appropriate if you:
Have a fear of needles or significant anxiety about the procedure
Are pregnant, especially in the first trimester
Have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners
Have certain skin infections or open wounds near the treatment area
The best way to know if dry needling is right for you is through a personalized evaluation. Your therapist will explain your options and help you decide whether it fits into your overall recovery plan.
Why Avon Residents Choose Dry Needling at Next Level PT
In Avon, OH, more patients are turning to dry needling as a way to relieve pain, restore function, and recover more efficiently. At Next Level PT, we offer dry needling as part of a personalized, cash-based approach—one that’s focused on results, not red tape.
Our patients appreciate the extra time, attention, and hands-on care they receive in each session. Dry needling fits seamlessly into this model, giving our therapists another precise tool to address muscular dysfunction and accelerate healing. Whether you're an athlete, an office worker, or someone simply looking to move without pain, dry needling offers a fast, focused solution.
With expert guidance and a commitment to patient-centered care, we help Avon residents feel better, move better, and get back to what they love—faster.