1220 Azalea Rd, Mobile, AL, USA
What is Dry Needling?
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a skilled treatment technique used by trained physical therapists to help relieve muscle pain, tension, and movement restrictions. It involves the use of very thin, sterile needles inserted into specific trigger points or tight areas within muscles.
Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on modern anatomy, neurophysiology, and movement science. The goal is to reduce muscle tightness, improve blood flow, calm the nervous system, and restore normal movement patterns.
At the Center for Balance & Rehabilitation, dry needling is never used as a standalone treatment. Instead, it is thoughtfully integrated into your individualized physical therapy plan. By reducing muscle guarding and pain, dry needling helps your body move more freely—allowing you to better perform therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and movement retraining during and after your session.
This combination approach can accelerate progress, improve strength and mobility gains, and support longer-lasting results. Dry needling is always performed with your comfort, safety, and consent in mind and is used only when it aligns with your goals and plan of care.
Who may benefit from DN?
Dry needling may be helpful for individuals experiencing muscle pain, tightness, or movement limitations that are not improving with rest alone.
People who may benefit include:
- Individuals with neck, shoulder, or back pain
- People experiencing muscle tightness or trigger points
- Those with chronic pain or long-standing muscle tension
- Athletes with sports-related or overuse injuries
- Individuals recovering from orthopedic surgery
- People with headaches or tension-type migraines
- Those with limited mobility or stiffness
- Individuals with postural-related pain from prolonged sitting or repetitive work
- People experiencing nerve-related symptoms influenced by muscular tension
- Patients who have plateaued with exercise or manual therapy alone
Safety and Contraindications:
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a trained physical therapist. At the Center for Balance & Rehabilitation, patient safety is our top priority, and this technique is used only when appropriate.
When DN may NOT be recommended:
Dry needling may be avoided or modified in patients with:
- Bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications
- Active infection, open wounds, or skin irritation near the treatment area
- Pregnancy (certain areas are avoided or treatment may be deferred)
- Compromised immune systems
- Needle phobia or inability to tolerate the procedure
- Certain neurological or vascular conditions, depending on presentation
Safety Information:
- All needles used are single-use, sterile, and disposable
- Treatment is performed only by licensed physical therapists trained in dry needling
- Dry needling is never performed without your informed consent
- Temporary soreness, bruising, or fatigue may occur and typically resolves within 24–48 hours
Your physical therapist will review your medical history, medications, and individual needs to determine if dry needling is appropriate for you. If dry needling is not indicated, alternative treatment options will always be provided.
Dry Needling Services at CBR:
Dry needling is offered as a cash-based service at our clinic. Pricing may vary depending on whether you are currently receiving physical therapy with us or scheduling dry needling as a stand-alone service. Because dry needling is not covered by insurance, we’re happy to review your options and answer any questions you may have.
📞 Please contact our front office for current pricing, scheduling, and availability.