Dry Needling In Cincinnati

Dry Needling is also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and trigger point dry needling (TDN). It is a safe, effective and efficient treatment used to:

• Relax myofascial trigger points, and
• Restore normal muscle tones, muscle length, coordination, function and strength

Dry Needling for Pain Relief in Cincinnati

Dry Needling is a treatment technique often used by physical therapists to relieve pain. It requires using a sterile acupuncture needle that is inserted through the skin into muscles, tendons, ligaments, and/or close to nerves to immediately reduce pain, decrease muscle tension and increase mobility. Dry Needling is not acupuncture; it is based on a modern scientific study of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. This treatment technique provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.

Dry Needling Process

Dry needling involves the insertion and repetitive manipulation of a “dry”, solid filament needle in a trigger point in order to produce an involuntary spinal cord reflex, also known as a local twitch response (LTR). This results in lasting muscle relaxation due to the release of shortened bands of muscle fibers for overactive (tight) muscles or the activation of under-active (weak) muscles. Deactivation of the trigger points can bring immediate relief of symptoms, so the therapist can immediately train the muscles to work with the newly gained pain free range of motion (ROM).

Dry needling is backed by scientific research as well as a modern Western medical practice. Dry needling is a neurophysiological evidence-based treatment technique and an effective treatment for chronic pain and other musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, reduced range of motion, repetitive motion disorders, like carpal tunnel syndrome, scar-tissue buildup, disk, and spinal problems, myofascial pain, and a lot more. To achieve the full effects of dry needling, most patients require at least two or three sessions in the office, however, others may require up to six office visits. Depending on your condition, dry needling can be performed once or twice a week.

Dry Needling Vs. Acupuncture

Dry needling is similar to acupuncture in the sense that a dry, solid filament needle is inserted and manipulated under the skin to release endorphins and serum cortisol for pain relief. The difference is that dry needling is based on western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It creates balance in the body by influencing the flow of Qi (energy) in pathways called meridians to achieve pain relief and alleviate inflammation.

Benefits of Dry Needling in Cincinnati

Dry Needling can provide relief to muscular tissue presenting with these taught points or bands presenting from most causes. These points, colloquially known as “knots” in our muscles, are easy for patients to self-identify. They will often feel like a small marble or ball of tender, hard tissue within the belly of a muscle. They will often also result in immediate referral of pain down a region as if pressing on a nerve when palpated. This therapy is specifically designed to address these tense regions within our muscles and can be utilized in almost any patient with this presentation.

Conditions Treated By Dry Needling in Cincinnati

Dry needling has successfully been used to treat a variety of conditions including:

• Head and Neck Pain – including whiplash and headaches, migraines, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disk disease or osteoarthritis
• Otological (Ear) and Opthamological (Eye) Pain – including tinnitus and eye strain
• Dental (Teeth) and Orthodontic (Jaw and Occlusal) Pain – including cavities, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, tooth impaction and root problems
• Shoulder Pain – including rotator cuff muscle tears, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), tendonitis and impingement syndrome
• Elbow Pain – including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• Hand and Wrist Pain – including gamekeeper’s thumb, DeQuervain’s syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis
• Back and Hip Pain – including lumbar degenerative disc disease, arthritic changes and herniated discs
• Knee Pain – including degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis
• Shin / Ankle / Foot Pain – including shin splints, gout, metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
• Acute Tendonitis (also spelled Tendinitis) and Chronic Tendinosis (also known as Tendinopathy)
• Athletic and Sports-related Overuse Injuries
• Post-surgical Pain
• Post-traumatic Injuries, Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA), and Work-related Injuries
• Other Chronic Pain Conditions – including myofascial pain and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)

Dry Needling Results

Most patients attempting Dry Needling will notice decreases in their symptoms immediately. Due to the various causes of tender points such as muscular overuse, stress, or tissue trauma, additional interventions like targeted tissue loading through resistance training, flexibility training, mindfulness activities, and gradual exposure programs may be necessary to maintain these decreases and multiple sessions of intervention may be required over time to maintain relief depending on the cause and chronicity of your pain. You and your provider will be able to assess these causes and factors at your initial evaluation to determine an individualized plan of care to optimize your results with Dry Needling!

Dry Needling FAQs

What is dry needling and how does it relieve pain?

Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that uses thin, sterile needles to release tight muscle “knots” and trigger points that cause pain. By stimulating these areas, dry needling helps relax overactive muscle fibers, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and reset how your nervous system processes pain. At WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates in Cincinnati, it’s usually combined with exercise and manual therapy for longer-lasting results.

What conditions can dry needling help treat at WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates?

Dry needling can help treat many musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, shoulder pain, tennis or golfer’s elbow, hip and knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and sports or overuse injuries. It’s also often used for chronic myofascial pain, muscle tightness, and reduced range of motion that hasn’t improved with stretching alone. Your WAVE therapist will evaluate you first to decide if dry needling is appropriate for your specific condition.

Does dry needling hurt and what does it feel like?

Most people feel a brief “twitch” or deep ache when the needle hits a trigger point, but dry needling is usually well tolerated and the sensation is short-lived. You may feel a mild cramp, pressure, or muscle jump, followed by a sense of release or looseness in the area. Some temporary soreness for 24–48 hours is normal, and your therapist at WAVE will show you how to manage it with movement, hydration, and gentle self-care.

How many dry needling sessions will I need before I feel better?

Many patients notice some relief after the first one to three dry needling sessions, especially when it’s combined with exercise and hands-on therapy. The total number of visits depends on how long you’ve had pain, how many areas are involved, and your overall activity level. Your WAVE physical therapist will create a personalized plan and adjust frequency as your symptoms and function improve.

Is dry needling safe and are there any side effects?

Dry needling is considered safe when performed by a licensed physical therapist with specialized training, like the team at WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates. Common side effects are mild and short-term—such as soreness, bruising, or fatigue in the treated area. Serious complications are rare, but your therapist will review your medical history, medications, and any precautions before starting treatment.

You Can Count On Us

Dry Needling is a powerful treatment technique that when in conjunction with our other physical therapy treatments, can help you relieve your pain and improve your function quickly. Contact us today to learn more about our dry needling therapy.