Physical Therapist Treatment and Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. The technique uses a "dry" needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle.

Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling, include trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular manual therapy.

Physical therapists use dry needling to release or inactivate trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion. Physical therapists may use dry needling as part of an overall treatment plan.

Health & Wellness Tips

• Dry Needling by a Physical Therapist: What You Should Know

Podcasts

• Dry Needling: What It Is & Who It Helps
• Success Story: Recovering from Total Shoulder Replacement with Dry Needling
• Success Story: Relief from Migraine Headaches with Trigger Point Therapy

Videos

• Dry Needling by a Physical Therapist
• Success Story: Chelsea
• Success Story: Breaux

Other

APTA's Description of Dry Needling in Clinical Practice: An Educational Resource Paper

Additional Information

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