Dry Needling (IDN) – A Targeted Approach to Pain Relief

Also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN), dry needling is a safe, effective, and efficient treatment designed to:

Release and deactivate myofascial trigger points
Restore muscle function by relaxing tight muscles and reactivating weak ones
Improve muscle length and flexibility while reducing excessive muscle tone
Enhance blood flow (vasodilation) and decrease pain receptor sensitivity

How Dry Needling Works

Dry needling involves the precise insertion and manipulation of a solid, filiform needle into specific trigger points within muscles. In some cases, electrical stimulation is applied to enhance the effect. This technique elicits an involuntary local twitch response (LTR), signaling the nervous system to release tension in overactive (tight) muscle fibers or activate underactive (weak) muscles.

The result? Immediate pain relief, improved mobility, and restored muscle function—allowing you to move more freely and comfortably.

How is Dry Needling Different from Acupuncture?

While both dry needling and acupuncture involve thin, solid needles, their underlying principles are entirely different:

  • Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and aims to restore energy balance (Qi) along meridian lines.
  • Dry Needling is based on modern neuroanatomy and musculoskeletal science. It focuses on directly targeting neuromuscular dysfunction to relieve pain and restore function.

Unlike acupuncture, dry needling does not seek to alter Qi or energy flow—it is a Western medicine approach aligned with the principles of physical therapy and sports rehabilitation.

Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

Dry needling is a highly effective therapy for a wide range of conditions, including:

Headaches, Neck & Jaw Pain

  • Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
  • Whiplash injuries

Shoulder Pain

  • Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and impingement syndrome
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome

Elbow & Hand/Wrist Pain

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, DeQuervain’s syndrome, and gamer’s thumb
  • Osteoarthritis-related pain

Back Pain & Sciatica

  • Muscle spasms and lumbar degenerative disc disease
  • Osteoarthritis and spinal dysfunction

Hip & Knee Pain

  • Patellar tendonitis and iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
  • Hamstring strains and osteoarthritis

Shin, Ankle & Foot Pain

  • Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis
  • Shin splints and metatarsalgia

Sports & Overuse Injuries

  • Athletic performance recovery
  • Muscle strains, sprains, and repetitive stress injuries

Post-Trauma & Chronic Pain Conditions

  • Motor vehicle accident (MVA) and work-related injuries
  • Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)

Expert Care You Can Trust

At Therapeutic Rehab Specialists, we believe in evidence-based treatment for long-lasting relief. Dr. Anthony Pribila, PT, DSc, CMPT, CMP, CEAS, is double-certified in dry needling and has extensive experience in helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance performance through this advanced therapy.

📞 Take the first step toward relief—call (813) 876-8771 to schedule your consultation today!