Dry needling, also known as intramuscular stimulation, is a safe and effective technique to treat certain musculoskeletal conditions. The treatment involves the doctor inserting a thin mono-filament needle into a trigger point within the muscle.
Myofascial trigger points also known as nodules or discrete, focal, hyper-irritable points in taut bands of muscle. They produce local and referred pain patterns and can be sensitive to touch, restrict range of motion, and even restrict blood flow. Patients may have regional or persistent pain resulting in decreased ROM and may be part of the symptoms treated and diagnosed by the doctor.
 They are involved in many common musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.  

A wide range of musculoskeletal conditions may benefit from dry needling including: neck and back pain, tension headaches, shoulder pain/impingement, rotator cuff issues, golfers and tennis elbow, hip pain/impingement, IT band syndrome, knee pain, etc. 

Each patient and condition is different but generally, you will feel a very minimal level of discomfort during the dry needling session.

Dry needling is typically never done as a stand alone procedure. Dry needling is part of your comprehensive chiropractic care.

No. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. The needles are the same but that’s it. Dry needling is based off identification and treatment of anatomical trigger points to reduce pain and restore function. Acupuncture is based off Chinese medicine and seeks to restore energy flow and works off meridians.