Dry Needling: How It Works & Why It Might Be Right for You

If you’ve been struggling with stubborn muscle tightness, nagging pain, or limited mobility, dry needling may be the solution you didn’t know you needed. At Chardon Performance Therapy, we specialize in helping active adults, athletes, and weekend warriors get back to doing what they love — pain-free.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a highly effective treatment technique where a trained physical therapist uses a very thin, sterile needle to target tight muscle bands (trigger points). Unlike injections, there’s no medication — just the needle itself — which stimulates a healing response in the tissue.

In simple terms: Think of dry needling as hitting your body’s “reset button” for a muscle that’s stuck in a painful or overactive state.

How It Helps

When performed correctly, dry needling can:

• Release muscle tension and “knots”

• Improve blood flow and speed up tissue repair

• Reduce pain in stubborn areas like the neck, low back, and shoulders

• Restore movement so you can squat, swing, lift, or run without restriction

• Support long-term strength gains when paired with targeted exercise

  
  

What It Feels Like

Most people are surprised by how quick and tolerable dry needling is. You may feel:

• A small prick when the needle enters

• A twitch response in the muscle (that’s a good sign!)

• Immediate relief or a “lightness” in the area afterward

Soreness can last a day or two — similar to a hard workout — and then mobility and comfort usually improve.

Who Can Benefit

Dry needling is excellent for:

• Athletes with overuse injuries (runners, golfers, weightlifters)

• Desk workers with chronic neck or shoulder tension

• People recovering from injuries or surgery who need to regain range of motion

• Anyone with recurring muscle pain that hasn’t responded to stretching alone

At Chardon Performance Therapy, we often integrate dry needling into a broader plan of care that includes hands-on therapy, corrective exercise, and education so you get results that last — not just a quick fix.

Is It Safe?

Yes — when performed by a licensed physical therapist with advanced training, dry needling is very safe. We use single-use, sterile needles and follow strict hygiene and safety protocols.

Ready to Try It?

If you’re curious about whether dry needling could help you:

• Schedule a 1-on-1 session with one of our therapists

• Experience a personalized assessment and treatment plan

• Get back to moving with confidence

  
  

Don’t wait for pain to hold you back from doing what you love. Whether you want to swing a golf club, lift your kids, or just get through the workday without nagging tension, dry needling can help you feel and move better.

Book Your Appointment Today →