Conditions Commonly Helped
-
Neck and back pain
-
Joint pain
-
Muscle strains
-
Tendon injuries
-
Headaches
-
Sports injuries
-
Repetitive strain injuries
-
Fibromyalgia pain
-
TMD/TMJ Dysfunction
-
Sciatica
-
Plantar Fasciitis
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists to target tight, sensitive muscles that may be contributing to pain, stiffness, or reduced movement.
​
Using a thin, sterile needle, your physical therapist treats these areas to help release muscle tension, improve mobility, and reduce discomfort.
​
During treatment, you may feel a brief muscle twitch or cramping sensation as the muscle responds to the needle. While this can feel unusual, it's a normal response and often a sign that the targeted muscle has been activated.
​
Dry needling is commonly used alongside other physical therapy treatments, such as manual therapy and exercise, to support your recovery and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Acupuncture
There are two main approaches to acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Western (medical) Acupuncture. While both use thin needles, Western acupuncture is grounded in modern anatomy and medical research.
​
In physical therapy, it is used to help relieve pain, improve muscle function, and support the body's natural healing processes by stimulating the nervous system.
​
As part of a personalized treatment plan, acupuncture may help reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and improve movement. It is often combined with other physical therapy techniques, such as manual therapy, exercise, and education, to help you recover more effectively and achieve lasting results.
Lasting results come from treating the root cause and not just the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
While both techniques use thin, sterile needles, they have different approaches.
​
Western acupuncture is based on modern anatomy and neuroscience to help reduce pain and support healing, while dry needling targets tight muscles and trigger points to relieve tension and improve movement.
​
Your physical therapist will determine which technique, (or combination of techniques,) is most appropriate for your condition.
Most people tolerate treatment very well.
​
You may feel a pinch when the needle is inserted, followed by a brief ache, muscle twitch, or cramping sensation.
​
These sensations are typically short-lived, and many people report feeling relaxed after treatment.
Absolutely. When performed by a trained physical therapist, both acupuncture and dry needling are considered safe.
​
At Devon Physical Therapy, we use single-use, sterile needles and follow strict safety and infection control practices.
The number of treatments varies depending on your condition, symptoms, and goals.
​
Some people notice improvement after one or two sessions, while others benefit from a series of treatments as part of their comprehensive physical therapy plan.