Dry needling uses very thin, sterile, single-use needles placed into tight or irritated muscles to help them release and to calm pain. At Ember Active Performance in Colorado Springs, most patients feel a quick pinch or a brief muscle twitch rather than sharp pain, and mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal.
What is dry needling? A thin needle is placed into a tight band of muscle, sometimes called a trigger point. The muscle often twitches and then lets go, which can ease pain and help you move better. It's called "dry" because nothing is injected.
Who is it for? Active adults with muscle tightness or pain. Common examples are neck and shoulder tension, low-back pain, tight hips and hamstrings, and tennis or golfer's elbow.
What happens during treatment? Needles usually stay in for 15 to 20 minutes. Dry needling is usually part of a full treatment along with adjustments, soft-tissue work, and exercises.
Conditions we see
Muscle knots and trigger points: overworked muscles form tight bands that ache and refer pain elsewhere. We find the trigger point and release it with a needle, then follow up with movement work.
Tension headaches: tight neck and shoulder muscles can trigger headaches that start at the base of the skull. Needling those muscles, combined with posture work, reduces how often headaches happen.
Sports strains: strained muscles tighten up to protect themselves and stay tight after the injury heals. Needling resets the muscle so rehab can rebuild strength.
No. Both use similar needles, but dry needling is based on muscle anatomy and how pain works. It targets specific tight muscles rather than acupuncture points.
You may feel a small pinch as the needle goes in, then a deep ache or a quick twitch in the muscle. Both are normal and usually last only seconds. Afterward the area can feel sore, like after a hard workout, for 24 to 48 hours.
Dry needling is included in your visit, with no extra charge: $180 for the first visit and $95 for follow-ups.
Every needle is sterile and used once. We don't use dry needling during pregnancy. Tell us if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or are nervous about needles. We'll adjust your treatment or use another method.
