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Dry Needling to Release Tension: Is it Right for Me?

The 411 on this emerging form of therapy that relieves persistent muscle pain.

Ugh, that recurring pain—the one in your back, or maybe it’s your knee or your shoulder. Maybe it’s a pesky, persistent case of plantar fasciitis that’s been keeping you from walking the dog or enjoying your morning jog.

It’s common to attempt everything imaginable to ease stubborn muscle pains—stretching, massage, foam rolling, traditional physical therapy—but the truth is, not everyone responds to the same form of therapy, and what works for someone else may not work for you. If you’ve tried everything to no avail, dry needling could offer some much-needed relief.

Dry needling is a modern form of therapy that provides deep tissue release to relieve pain, reduce tension and promote a healthy rehabilitation in as little as one to two sessions. Nate Paschke, Elle’s doctor of physical therapy and certified manual trigger point therapist, has helped his patients ease pain with dry needling for years. If you’re new to dry needling, read on to learn more as Nate sheds light on this emerging therapy.

What is dry needling?
Trigger point dry needling uses slender needles to reach deep past layers of skin and fat going directly into the muscle belly, releasing myofascial tension and targeting specific areas of muscle that would otherwise be impossible to treat with a traditional approach. Unlike traditional forms of therapy, dry needling goes deep to reach the root of muscle pain and soreness. “It’s kind of like getting a deep tissue massage from the inside out,” Nate said.

Is it the same as acupuncture?
Both dry needling and acupuncture use thin needles, but that’s where their similarities end. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years and usually involves a long period of sitting still after multiple needles have been inserted around the painful area. By contrast, dry needling uses just one needle at a time. After inserting the needle, the therapist quickly pistons the needle up and down for about 10 seconds, resulting in a release that resembles a slight twitch. This process is repeated around the muscle.

Who can benefit from dry needling?
Anyone who has attempted traditional therapy and didn’t find lasting pain relief. Dry needling can help with countless conditions, but a few of the most common issues Nate encounters include acute injuries such as sprains, overuse injuries common in athletes, and chronic pain or fibromyalgia. Dry needling can also provide relief from frequent headaches.

What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit will last around 60 minutes, giving you the opportunity to get to know Nate and talk about areas causing you pain. Nate will then explain the procedure before he performs the dry needling, in which he’ll identify the exact trigger points that will provide the maximum relief. Follow-up appointments can be as quick as a 15-minute session or as long as two hours, depending on your needs.

What if I’m afraid of needles?
A little bit of needle nervousness is common—you may catch yourself tensing up a bit at your first appointment, or notice that your palms have gone clammy. But rest assured, the procedure is safe, and the sensation of the needle insertion is rarely even felt.

“Most people describe the feeling as being a little awkward or weird, but not painful,” Nate said. “The needle is so thin you don’t feel it at all, but you can feel when the needle stimulates the muscle.”
That muscle stimulation leads to a release in the form of a quick muscle twitch that feels like a small-scale charley horse.

After your session, you may notice some muscle soreness or achiness, but this usually subsides within a few hours. Nate recommends staying well hydrated before and after each session to ensure a quick recovery. Afterwards, it’s best to avoid strenuous physical activity for three to four hours.

Ready to give dry needling a try?
Get to know more about Nate on his profile and learn about Elle’s therapeutic services here.