Dry Needling: What It Is, How It Works, and Why We Use It

At Apex Massage Therapy, we’re proud to offer dry needling as one of the latest additions to our treatment options. This highly effective technique is designed to relieve muscular pain, reduce tightness, and restore movement. Whether you're an athlete dealing with repetitive strain or someone suffering from chronic pain or stiffness, dry needling can be a powerful tool in your recovery.

In this post, we’ll explain exactly what dry needling is, how it works, what to expect during a session, and why we might use it as part of your overall treatment plan.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based treatment that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into trigger points—tight bands or knots in the muscle tissue. These trigger points can be a source of pain, tightness, and reduced mobility.

Despite the use of needles, dry needling is not acupuncture. While acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and works with meridians and energy flow, dry needling is grounded in Western medicine and anatomy. It specifically targets muscular dysfunction and is often used to treat:

• Muscular pain and trigger points
• Sports injuries
• Postural imbalances
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle spasms
• Headaches caused by muscular tension

How Does Dry Needling Work?

When a needle is inserted into a trigger point or tight area within a muscle, it causes a tiny therapeutic lesion, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response. This leads to:

• Release of muscle tension – The muscle twitches, then relaxes, restoring function.
• Improved blood flow – Bringing oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.
• Reduction of pain – Stimulating nerve pathways and reducing pain sensitivity.
• Increased mobility – Easing restrictions and improving joint and muscle movement.

The goal is to reset the muscle, encourage it to function properly, and support long-term recovery and performance.

What Does It Feel Like?

Dry needling is usually well tolerated, but it does feel different from a typical massage.

• You may feel a quick twitch or cramp-like response in the muscle as the needle hits the trigger point.
• Some clients describe a dull ache or pressure during the technique.
• Afterwards, it’s normal to feel soreness for 24–48 hours, similar to how you might feel after a tough workout.

Most people notice improved movement and reduced pain within a day or two, and the results can be even more noticeable when combined with massage and other manual therapies.

Why We Use Dry Needling at Apex Massage Therapy

At Apex, we believe in using the right tools at the right time. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all treatments—instead, we tailor every session to your individual needs.

Dry needling is a powerful technique we may incorporate as part of your session when:
You're experiencing chronic muscle tightness that isn’t resolving through massage alone.

• We identify deep trigger points that require precise treatment.
• You need fast pain relief to support your training or recovery.
• There’s nerve-related muscular tension, such as from sciatica or neck strain.

And best of all, we never charge extra for using dry needling—it’s included in your session if we feel it’s the right tool for your recovery.

What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?

Dry needling can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including:

• Sciatica and lower back pain
• Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff issues
• Neck tension and cervicogenic headaches
• Hamstring and calf tightness
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Gluteal pain or piriformis syndrome
• Tension-type headaches and jaw pain (TMJ)

It’s especially useful when combined with sports massage, cupping, IASTM, and kinesiology taping to provide a comprehensive and results-focused approach.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Absolutely. At Apex Massage Therapy, dry needling is performed by a fully trained and insured therapist who understands both the technique and how to apply it safely.

We use sterile, single-use needles and follow all clinical hygiene standards to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.

Could Dry Needling Work for You?

If you're dealing with tight muscles, stubborn pain, or limited movement—and you’ve tried other treatments with limited success—dry needling may be the missing piece.

It’s not for everyone, and it’s not used in every session, but when appropriate, it can be a game-changing addition to your recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, a regular gym-goer, or someone struggling with daily muscular tension, we’ll assess whether dry needling could benefit you and incorporate it into your treatment if needed.

Book Your Appointment Today

Ready to see what dry needling can do for you? We’re now offering this treatment as part of our standard sessions - no extra cost, no unnecessary upselling. Just effective, tailored therapy that gets results.

Let us help you move better, feel better, and perform at your peak - with the best tools available.