Dry Needling in Chardon, OH
Tight, painful muscles that won't let go? Dry needling can help.
You've stretched, foam rolled, and had massages. The knot in your neck, back, or hip eases for a day, then it's right back. Maybe someone told you to try dry needling and you're not sure what it is, or whether it's right for you.
You deserve more than a quick fix. You deserve a provider you can trust, and results that actually last.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
What we use dry needling for
Neck and upper back pain and tension
Low back pain and sciatica
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems
Hip, glute, and IT band pain
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and arm pain
Headaches and jaw (TMJ) pain
Muscle tightness that limits training or sport
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We find out why the muscle is tight and painful in the first place, then explain it in clear, simple language. Dry needling is never the whole plan. It's one tool, paired with hands-on care and a strength program, so the pain doesn't keep coming back.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. When dry needling fits your plan, we use it to calm pain and restore movement, then build strength so you stay that way.
What to expect
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often much sooner. But getting out of pain is only the start. Our custom plans of care average about 3 months, with one goal: keeping you out of pain and performing at your highest potential.
What our clients say
"He has helped me with my different issues through hands on body work and dry needling. There are only a few PTs that are skilled at dry needling and it is very effective."
Carmela G. ★★★★★
"I have high anxiety when it comes to needles but he made it literally painless and very effective."
Kristy P. ★★★★★
"Between manipulation, stretches, and dry needling they had me back to 100% in just a short period of time."
Alan M. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, tight and painful muscles change how you move, and that often leads to pain somewhere else. You lose time, momentum, and the activities that make life meaningful. You don't have to accept that.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling uses a thin, sterile, single-use needle placed into a tight or irritated muscle. It helps the muscle relax, eases pain, and improves movement, so you can get more out of your exercise and strength work.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. Both use thin needles, but dry needling is based on modern anatomy and targets specific muscles and tissues that are causing your pain. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel a quick pinch, then a brief ache or muscle twitch. Many clients who are nervous about needles are surprised at how manageable it is. Some soreness for a day or two afterward is normal.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Is dry needling right for everyone?
Not always. We'll review your health history first, and we'll always explain your options. If dry needling isn't a good fit, we have other ways to get you moving and out of pain.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If your pain follows a serious fall or accident, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss, numbness or weakness that's getting worse, or loss of bladder or bowel control, see a physician or go to urgent care right away.
See dry needling in action: Neck & Shoulder Pain Treatment for Weightlifters (video) · Cupping for Throwing Athletes (video) · What One-on-One Physical Therapy Looks Like (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.