Dry Needling Therapy is a modern, evidence-based technique used by licensed physical therapists who have completed advanced, post-professional dry needling certification. If tight muscles, persistent discomfort, or movement limitations are holding you back, dry needling may be an effective part of your physical therapy plan.
By targeting the underlying causes of pain, dry needling often helps reduce symptoms in just a few sessions—supporting a faster, more comfortable return to daily activities, exercise, and sport.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that uses a thin, solid filament needle to treat myofascial trigger points—tight, sensitive areas within muscle tissue that contribute to pain and restricted movement.
Despite the name, no injections are made during dry needling. The term “dry” simply means the needle contains no medication or substance.
- Reduce muscle tension
- Decrease pain
- Improve range of motion
- Restore normal movement patterns
Dry Needling Assessment and Pain Relief
At OSI Physical Therapy, dry needling is guided by licensed physical therapists who possess a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and injury patterns. Your treatment is tailored to work with your body—not against it—to relieve pain and restore function.
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Dry Needling Requires Specialized Physical Therapy Training
Not all physical therapists are trained to perform dry needling. This technique requires advanced education, hands-on certification, and ongoing competency training beyond standard physical therapy licensure.
At OSI, dry needling is only performed by physical therapists who have completed approved dry needling certification programs and follow state-specific practice guidelines to ensure safe, effective treatment.
How Dry Needling Works
Physical therapy plays a vital role in both performance and injury prevention for cyclists. Through targeted treatment and movement analysis, physical therapy helps cyclists:
- Release excessive muscle tension
- Improve local blood flow
- Calm irritated nerves
- Interrupt pain signaling
These effects allow the muscle to return to a healthier, more functional state and support improved movement and performance.
Understanding Trigger Points
What are Trigger Points?
- Cause localized pain
- Refer pain to other areas
- Limit strength and flexibility
Physical therapists identify trigger points through skilled palpation and movement assessment.
Role of Trigger Points in Muscle Pain
Active trigger points can perpetuate pain, restrict motion, and contribute to chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Dry needling helps disrupt this cycle by reducing muscle tension and improving tissue mobility.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
Although both treatments use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are not the same.
Purpose and Treatment Goals
- Dry Needling: Targets muscle dysfunction, myofascial trigger points, and movement-related pain
- Acupuncture: Based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on restoring energy flow (qi)
Technique, Depth, and Clinical Approach
- Dry Needling:
- Guided by anatomy, biomechanics, and pain science
- Needles are typically inserted into deeper muscle tissue to target trigger points and dysfunctional muscle fibers
- Acupuncture:
- Uses predetermined meridian points
- Needles are generally placed in more superficial layers of the skin rather than directly into muscle tissue
Provider Training
- Dry Needling: Performed by licensed physical therapists with specialized dry needling certification
- Acupuncture: Performed by licensed acupuncturists
Dry needling is always integrated into a comprehensive physical therapy plan and never used as a standalone treatment.
What to Expect During Dry Needling Therapy
Before Your Session
Hip and knee pain are some of the most common complaints among cyclists. Improper saddle height, cleat misalignment, and weak hip stabilizers can place excessive stress on the joints. A physical therapist may identify:
During the Session
- Skin is cleaned and sterile, single-use needles are prepared
- Target muscles and trigger points are identified
- You may feel pressure or a brief twitch as the muscle responds
- The therapist may gently adjust the needle to achieve optimal release
After Treatment
It’s normal to experience:
- Excessive pressure through the handlebars
- Incorrect shoe width or cleat position
Aftercare may include hydration, gentle movement, light stretching, heat, and avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Dry Needling Techniques used in Physical Therapy
- Trigger-Point Dry Needling: Targets specific tight muscle areas
- Non-Trigger-Point Dry Needling: Addresses broader muscle or nerve sensitivity
- Superficial vs. Deep Dry Needling: Selected based on tissue depth and patient tolerance
- Electrical Stimulation with Dry Needling: May be added to enhance muscle relaxation and pain relief
Benefits of Dry Needling in Physical Therapy
Dry needling can help:
- Reduce muscle pain and tension
- Improve flexibility and joint mobility
- Restore normal muscle activation
- Support faster recovery from injury
- Enhance overall movement quality
Extended time in the saddle can strain the spine and upper body. Poor reach, incorrect handlebar height, or limited thoracic mobility often contribute. Physical therapy addresses both:
Dry Needling as Part of a Comprehensive PT Plan
Dry needling is most effective when combined with:
- Excessive pressure through the handlebars
- Incorrect shoe width or cleat position
- Tight calf or piriformis muscles
- Improper saddle tilt
FAQ's About Dry Needling Therapy
No. Only licensed physical therapists who have completed specialized dry needling certification and training are qualified to perform this technique.
Physical therapists use medical expertise to identify and correct the root causes of pain—not just adjust equipment. This leads to longer-lasting comfort, better performance, and fewer injuries.
Incorrect saddle height, poor pedaling mechanics, weak hip muscles, or cleat misalignment.
Many patients notice improvement within 1–3 sessions, though chronic conditions may require more.
Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.
Light movement is encouraged, but heavy workouts should be avoided for 24 hours.
Light movement is encouraged, but heavy workouts should be avoided for 24 hours.
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