People searching for dry needling in NJ usually have one of two questions: does it hurt, and does it actually do anything?
What it is
A thin filament needle is placed into a taut, irritable band of muscle — a trigger point. There is no medication involved. The goal is to release the contracted band, improve blood flow and reduce the pain signal coming from that tissue.
What it feels like
Most people feel a brief cramp or twitch, then a dull ache. That twitch response is often the point. Soreness afterwards feels like a workout and usually fades within a day.
Who it helps
- Neck pain and tension headaches
- Shoulder and rotator cuff pain
- Low back and hip pain with muscle guarding
- Calf and plantar heel pain
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
What it is not
It is not acupuncture, and it is not a standalone cure. Needling opens a window of reduced pain and better motion — the exercise and loading we do inside that window is what makes the change stick.
Dry needling is available at both clinics. Ask us whether it fits your case.