Paired with my physical therapy program, dry needling was the final piece of the puzzle to my recovery. After a back injury at work, dry needling was like a total reset. It allowed me to get back to 100%!
Dry Needling
in Seattle, WA
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What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling at Seattle Rehab Specialists is a treatment performed by our licensed therapists that involves inserting single-use, sterile filiform needles into muscles, tendons, and ligaments to trigger your body’s healing response. The physical therapist strategically places the needles near nerves or in areas of tight muscles and tendons that cause pain.
Dry needling is used to treat injuries caused by overuse or incorrect form. The goal is to stimulate the body to heal and expedite pain control while decreasing muscle tension.
How Does Dry Needling Differ from Acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture are often thought to be similar, but they have distinct purposes and methods. Dry needling is a modern technique focused specifically on reducing pain and releasing muscle tension. In this approach, our licensed therapists skillfully insert fine, sterile needles into areas of tightness or soreness within muscles or near sensitive nerve pathways. By doing so, they aim to relieve tension, improve blood flow, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Dry needling is often used alongside physical therapy to enhance recovery from injuries, alleviate pain, and restore mobility.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, has roots in traditional Chinese medicine and is based on a holistic philosophy. Acupuncturists place needles at precise points along pathways believed to correspond to the body’s energy flow, or “Qi.” The goal of acupuncture is to balance this energy to support wellness by influencing specific bodily functions and organ systems. While both treatments involve the use of needles, dry needling is targeted at musculoskeletal pain relief, whereas acupuncture seeks to promote overall energy balance and holistic health.
Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
Tendonitis
Headache & Migraine
Muscle Pain
(Occupational - Overuse - Injury)
Joint, Hypermobility, and Chronic Pain Relief
Spinal & Nervous Dysfunction
(Sciatica - Carpal Tunnel - & More)
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
What to Expect with Dry Needling
During the Session
Your physical therapist will start the session with a comprehensive evaluation, determining which areas will most benefit from dry needling. Then, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and sterile filiform needles, the therapist inserts the needles into the targeted areas.
Your therapist may also use electrical stimulation (E-stim) in your treatment, enhancing the effects by conducting an electrical current through the needles. Most patients report minimal pain during the treatment, while some patients feel the needle prick or cramping in the muscle during the procedure.
After the Session
After the treatment, you may feel muscle soreness similar to what you feel after a workout. The soreness typically resolves in 24-48 hours. Mild side effects are possible, such as bruising or muscle fatigue. The side effects quickly subside as you resume gentle activity like stretching and massage.
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Our treatment for joint pain, arthritis, and fractures includes a comprehensive plan to restore strength, mobility, and flexibility so that you can return to your daily activities and fitness level. Our therapists implement evidence-based treatments to speed up your recovery.
Sports & Athletics Rehabilitation
Sports injuries keeping you off the court or field for far too long. With the help of our skilled team, you can get back into full performance mode faster and stronger than before. We implement functional exercises and targeted therapies to speed up recovery, enhance performance, and prevent future injuries.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Our post-surgical treatments improve strength, muscle function, and confidence after orthopedic procedures. Complex surgeries like joint replacements, spinal fusions, and ligament repairs require regimented therapy for a return to full mobility. We work with your surgeon to create a customized plan specific to your post-surgical needs.
Chronic Pain Management
We use a holistic, patient-centered approach to address daily discomfort due to chronic pain. Living life without pain is within reach through our chronic pain management techniques. We use a combination of manual therapy, lifestyle changes, and personalized exercises to treat the root of your chronic pain.
Acute Injury Treatment
From strains and sprains to intense trauma, we waste no time treating your acute injury. Our treatments are focused on reducing pain and inflammation. We work to heal the injury, allowing you to return to full function without discomfort.
Running Pain Treatment
Running pain often comes at the worst time after increasing miles to train for a race, or once you’ve finally implemented a regular exercise routine. This setback can negatively impact your love for the sport, which is why it’s important to seek immediate treatment. Our 3D running analysis pinpoints inefficiencies in your running to correct imbalances. We suggest changes to your form and assign exercises to reteach your body how to run at full capacity.
Work Injuries Rehabilitation
Workplace traumas include repetitive strain injuries and falls. Our treatments address all issues so you can regain full functionality and mobility. We accept workers’ compensation claims to make your recovery as efficient as possible.
Bike Pain Management
Cycling is a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints. If you experience pain while riding, we offer bike fitting services to address the discomfort. Our experts examine your posture, bicycle, and form. Then, we make personalized adjustments to the bike so you can ride pain-free.
Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Recovery
We address your car accident injuries to help you reach a full recovery. Whether you suffer from immediate injuries or ongoing conditions, we want to expedite your healing.
Senior Care
Growing older comes with limits in mobility. It is frustrating to lose skills that increase independence and quality of life. Our tailored physical therapy plans address the issues preventing your from living a joyful life. We build confidence and empower seniors to maintain independence, strength, and flexibility. Our services are accessible to the senior population through Medicare.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dry Needling?
Speak with your physical therapist about dry needling to see if it fits your circumstances. If you are newly pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, or are recovering from surgery, you may not be the right candidate. Your therapist can discuss your situation in detail, talk about the risks, and make a decision with safety as a top priority.
Qualifications and Training of Our Therapists
Our physical therapists are certified to perform dry needling effectively. They have completed 75 hours of in-person instruction and 100 hours of didactic instruction. They have also conducted 150 dry needling treatment sessions.
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