Dry Needling

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 involves 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 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.

Conditions Treated by Dry Needling

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 and Chronic Tendonitis
  • 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)

To learn more about our Dry Needling services,
Request an appointment or give us a call at
(480) 718-9493

Our Patients Are Thriving

  • When I started Physical Therapy, I was in pain. My knee was hurting so bad. Lifting my leg hurt and bending my knee was painful. I was unable to run and standing up after sitting was painful for several steps and I sometimes though I would fall. I didn’t believe that simple exercises would help, but I was wrong. Sticking to the therapy and following the at home exercises worked and I can run, jump, and wear my high heels again. I still get a twinge or two and I just start my therapy exercises and it goes away. I get nervous that my knee is weak but it is just me. Thank you for being kind and patient.

    - Elaine Y.

  • I’ve been having trouble for years, sleeping, sitting, and lifting heavy things from the ground. Sometimes I’d pull out my lower back and I’d be stiff and sore for days. Since I’ve started at Revive, I haven’t had that problem at all. My sleeping and ability to sit for long periods of time have greatly improved! The atmosphere at Revive is fantastic! Everyone at Revive is friendly and professional! When I leave, I don’t just feel better physically, I feel better mentally also. Saeed truly cares and it shows. Thank you!

    - Ryan H.

  • This is my second time coming here due to injuries from volleyball and my physical therapy experience has been so good! The environment is great; everyone is kind and supportive. Before coming to PT after my last injury, I could barely bend my knee. I could not run, jump, or do any of my normal activities without restriction. Everyone is very helpful and considerate of what you can and cannot do. They also play great music and always have great conversations! I am so glad chose Revive!

    - Lauren, G.

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