Why Some Chiropractors Use Dry Needling

Chiropractic care is widely known for spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, and soft tissue therapy. However, many chiropractors now incorporate dry needling into their treatment plans to provide additional relief for patients. Dry needling is a technique that targets tight muscles, trigger points, and areas of pain using thin, sterile needles. While it may seem similar to acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and focuses on musculoskeletal conditions rather than traditional energy pathways. At Clements Chiropractic, we use dry needling as a safe, effective tool to help patients recover faster, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves inserting very thin needles into specific areas of muscle tissue known as trigger points. Trigger points are tight, knotted areas within a muscle that can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. These points often develop from overuse, injury, or poor posture.

The goal of dry needling is to release tension in the muscle, improve blood flow, and reset the muscle fibers. Unlike injections, no medication or liquid is used—hence the term “dry.” The technique may produce a brief twitch response, which signals that the muscle is releasing tightness. Patients typically feel relief soon after treatment, and many experience improved range of motion and reduced discomfort in the following days.

How Dry Needling Helps Musculoskeletal Pain

Muscle tension and trigger points are often the underlying causes of chronic pain, headaches, sports injuries, and postural issues. Dry needling addresses these problems directly by stimulating the affected tissue to relax and heal naturally.

Some of the conditions chiropractors often use dry needling to treat include:

• Back and neck pain caused by tight muscles or postural stress

• Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff strain or frozen shoulder

• Knee pain including tendonitis or patellar tracking issues

• Headaches and migraines linked to neck and shoulder tension

• Sports injuries that cause localized muscle tightness or delayed recovery

By reducing muscular tension and improving circulation, dry needling helps the body recover more efficiently and can complement traditional chiropractic adjustments or physical therapy exercises.

Why Chiropractors Choose Dry Needling

Chiropractors choose dry needling because it’s a precise, evidence-based method for targeting muscular pain. While spinal adjustments help improve joint function and nerve signaling, tight muscles can continue to limit movement and cause discomfort even after adjustments. Dry needling works alongside traditional chiropractic care to address the soft tissue component of pain, providing a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Many patients notice faster results when dry needling is combined with chiropractic adjustments, stretching, or strengthening exercises. For example, an athlete recovering from a hamstring injury may benefit from joint mobilization to restore function and dry needling to release muscle tension, improving overall recovery time.

The Science Behind Dry Needling

Research supports the effectiveness of dry needling for various musculoskeletal conditions. Studies show that it can reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve muscle activation. The needle insertion helps stimulate the nervous system, encouraging the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals.

Dry needling also helps break up scar tissue, increase blood flow to injured areas, and reduce muscle spasms. While it may not work for every patient or condition, many find it an invaluable tool for managing chronic pain and accelerating healing.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

During a dry needling session at Clements Chiropractic, the chiropractor will first evaluate your condition and identify trigger points causing pain or limited movement. Once the target areas are located, sterile, single-use needles are inserted into the muscle. Most patients report minimal discomfort—often described as a slight pinch or twitch.

Treatment time can vary depending on the number of muscles being targeted, but sessions typically last 15–30 minutes. Many patients notice improvement after just one session, though a series of treatments may be recommended for chronic conditions or severe muscle tightness. After the session, it’s common to feel mild soreness for a day or two, similar to the feeling after a deep tissue massage.

Safety and Considerations

Dry needling is generally safe when performed by trained professionals. Chiropractors who offer dry needling receive specialized training in anatomy, needle technique, and patient safety. Sterile, single-use needles are always used to prevent infection or complications.

Patients with certain medical conditions—such as bleeding disorders or severe needle anxiety—should discuss their situation with their chiropractor before treatment. In most cases, dry needling can be adjusted or combined with other therapies to meet the patient’s needs safely.

Final Thoughts

Dry needling is a valuable tool in modern chiropractic care. By targeting tight muscles, trigger points, and areas of pain, it complements traditional chiropractic adjustments and enhances overall treatment outcomes. Whether you suffer from chronic pain, sports injuries, or postural discomfort, dry needling can help release tension, improve mobility, and accelerate healing.

At Clements Chiropractic, we integrate dry needling into personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and natural solutions for pain relief and long-term wellness. If you’re struggling with muscular pain or want to explore alternatives to medication, consider scheduling a consultation to see if dry needling is right for you.