At Trailblaze PT & Performance, we use dry needling as one of many tools to help with muscular pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. Below you’ll find what dry needling is, what the research says, and how it fits into our three-step approach: Reset, Restore, Reload.
What Does the Research Say?
Dry needling is a technique where fine, sterile needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points—tight, tender bands of muscle that can cause pain, limit movement, or contribute to other discomforts. The needle stimulates a small, local twitch response in the muscle, which may reduce tension, improve blood flow, and help reset normal muscle function.
What Does the Research Say?
- A systematic review & meta-analysis found that dry needling can reduce pain and increase pressure pain threshold in musculoskeletal pain conditions in the short term (Gattie et al., 2017).
- A more recent meta-analysis concluded that dry needling improves pain and function in people with chronic neck pain, particularly in the short- and mid-term (Hernández-Secorún et al., 2023).
- Clinical commentary highlights that dry needling is most effective when used in combination with exercise, manual therapy, or other rehabilitation methods (McAphee et al., 2022).
How It Fits Into Our Process: Reset, Restore, Reload.
At Trailblaze PT & Performance, we don’t just treat symptoms — we follow a proven three-step process designed to get you back to full performance:
1. Reset
We start by identifying the root cause of your pain and begin reducing symptoms. Dry needling often plays a role here by helping release tight muscles and easing discomfort.
2. Restore
Next, we build a personalized program aimed at restoring mobility, strength, and function while continuing to reduce pain. Dry needling can also be helpful here, supporting better movement and faster progress.
3. Reload
Finally, we focus on long-term success. This step is about making sure your issue doesn’t come back — through performance training, proactive programming, and helping you become a stronger, more resilient athlete.
What to Expect in a Session
- Evaluation: We assess movement, pain patterns, and trigger points.
- Treatment: Thin needles target specific trigger points. A twitch or small contraction is sometimes felt, and discomfort is usually brief.
- Aftercare: You may feel mild soreness for a day. We’ll guide you on light mobility, movement, and hydration to maximize results.
Safety and Risks
Dry needling is considered a low-risk treatment when performed by a trained physical therapist. Minor side effects like temporary soreness or fatigue can occur. Any contraindications or concerns will always be discussed with you before proceeding, so you can feel confident and informed about your care.
The Bottom Line
Dry needling is a research-supported technique that can reduce pain, restore function, and help you move with greater ease. As part of our Reset, Restore, Reload process, it’s one of the tools we use to get you out of pain and back to doing the activities you love — stronger and more resilient than before.
📍 Trailblaze PT & Performance
105 Copper Penny St, Hendersonville, NC
📞 (828) 782-3389
Sources:
- Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017. PubMed
- Hernández-Secorún M, et al. Effectiveness of dry needling for chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023. PMC
- McAphee et al. Dry needling: A clinical commentary. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2022. IJSpt