If you have a tight, tender knot in a muscle that won't let go, dry needling may be one tool that helps. At Integral Spine & Joint Physical Therapy in Norman, dry needling is offered as part of a Wellness visit — not as an insurance physical therapy treatment.

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What is dry needling?

Dry needling uses thin, solid needles — the same type used in acupuncture — inserted into myofascial trigger points. A trigger point is a taut, irritable band in a muscle that can be tender, restrict movement, and refer pain to another area.

The word "dry" means nothing is injected. The needle itself is the treatment. The goal is to release the trigger point, reduce muscle tightness, and improve movement, so you can move more comfortably and participate more fully in exercise and daily activities.

Dry needling is commonly used for muscle-related tightness and pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, and other areas, as part of a broader plan — not as a standalone cure. Results vary by person and by condition.

 

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No, even though both use similar needles. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on points along meridians to balance the body's energy. Dry needling is based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy and focuses directly on trigger points in muscle tissue.

If you are looking for acupuncture, dry needling is not the same service. If you are looking specifically for trigger point release in a tight muscle, dry needling is the service described on this page.

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Dry needling at Integral is performed by Bryan Green, PT, MSPT, BSPTS C1 & C2 certified, Cert. DN a licensed physical therapist who has completed postgraduate training in dry needling. 

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What does it feel like, and what happens after?

Most people feel little to no pain when the needle enters the skin. When it reaches a trigger point, you may feel a brief twitch, deep ache, softening of tension, or a tingling sensation. That response is usually brief.

After treatment, the muscles usually feel relaxed and mobility will be increase, but you may also feel sore, similar to soreness after exercise. Mild bruising, stiffness, or fatigue can also occur. Soreness often lasts 24 to 48 hours, and bruising, if it occurs, can last up to a week. Light movement is usually encouraged after treatment, while heavy or strenuous exercise is usually avoided for 12 to 24 hours to allow the muscle to settle. Drink water and tell your therapist how you responded — that helps guide future visits.

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained provider using single-use, sterile needles. Serious side effects are extremely rare, but as with any treatment that breaks the skin, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation. If you have sudden shortness of breath or chest pain after needling near the chest or upper back, seek emergency care right away.

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Who should talk to their provider first?

Tell your therapist about your full medical history before dry needling, especially if you:

• Are pregnant

• Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners

• Have a weakened immune system, diabetes, epilepsy, lymphedema, or vascular disease

• Have an infection, open wound, or skin condition at the treatment site

• Have a strong fear of needles or a history of fainting with needles

• Have had recent surgery in the area to be treated

Your therapist will review your history and determine if dry needling is appropriate for you. It may not be appropriate for everyone, and it may not be offered at every visit.

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Dry needling at Integral:

Dry needling is not covered by insurance, and it's why dry needling is not listed on our Physiotherapy or Back Pain pages. At Integral, dry needling is offered only as part of a Wellness visits, which are for minor tune-ups that do not require a full course of physiotherapy.

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If you only want dry needling, start here:

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Book a Wellness visit.

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This visit type is for patients who are only looking for dry needling, rather than a full insurance physical therapy plan of care. Wellness visits are 60 minutes, $120, per our Wellness page.

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Call (405) 593-8353 or use the contact form to ask about scheduling a Wellness visit for dry needling.

Integral Spine & Joint Physical Therapy
231 34th Avenue SW, Norman, OK 73072
Phone: (405) 593-8353

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The listed costs for the 60-minute physical therapy visits are the out-of-pocket/self-pay rates, like if you have a deductible to meet. Your specific insurance policy benefits will determine what your payment responsibility is, this will be verified before starting therapy.

This page provides general information about dry needling. It is not medical advice and does not replace an evaluation by a qualified clinician.