What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling (also known as trigger point therapy or intramuscular stimulation) is a technique that uses thin, sterile needles to target tight bands of muscle fibers, known as trigger points. These trigger points often cause pain, stiffness, and restricted motion.

When gently inserted into the muscle, the needle stimulates a “twitch” response that helps release tension, improve blood flow, and reset the muscle to a normal, relaxed state.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomy and neuromuscular science—focused on relieving muscular dysfunction and pain.

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Benefits of Dry Needling

Patients often experience relief after just a few sessions. Common benefits include:

• Reduced muscle tightness and pain

• Improved flexibility and range of motion

• Faster recovery after workouts or injury

• Decreased tension headaches and neck pain

• Enhanced results when combined with chiropractic care and rehabilitation exercises

Dry needling is particularly effective for chronic pain or areas of deep muscular tension that don’t respond fully to massage or adjustment alone.

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Conditions We Treat with Dry Needling

Dry needling can benefit many musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions, including:

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Lower back pain and sciatica

• Hip and gluteal tension

• Headaches and migraines

• Muscle strains or sports injuries

• Postural pain and repetitive strain

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

If muscle tension is contributing to your discomfort or limiting your motion, this treatment can be a powerful part of your recovery plan.

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What to Expect During Treatment

1. Evaluation:
Your chiropractor will begin by reviewing your health history and performing a physical exam to locate tight or tender trigger points.

2. Treatment:
Using sterile, single-use needles, your provider will target the affected muscles. You may feel a brief muscle “twitch” or ache that signals the muscle is releasing tension.

3. Recovery:
You might experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours—similar to a good workout—but most patients report significant relief in pain and stiffness shortly afterward. Stretching, hydration, and light movement can enhance results.

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Is Dry Needling Safe?

When performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor, dry needling is a safe and effective therapy. The needles are single-use and sterile, and the risk of side effects is very low.

You may feel mild tenderness or bruising, but serious complications are extremely rare. Our team will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process.

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Why Choose Montpelier Family Chiropractic?

Our experienced chiropractors integrate dry needling into comprehensive care plans that may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises.
This integrative approach helps you recover faster, prevent future injuries, and maintain long-term wellness—without relying on medication or invasive treatments.

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Schedule Your Dry Needling Session

Ready to relieve muscle pain and restore mobility?
Contact our friendly team to see if dry needling is right for you.

📍 Montpelier Family Chiropractic
17215 Mountain Rd
Montpelier, VA 23192
📞 Phone: (804) 883-3000
🌐 Website: montpelierchiro.com

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Book Your Appointment Today

Experience how dry needling can help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
👉 Request an Appointment or call (804) 883-3000 to get started.