Dry Needling

in The Woodlands, TX

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling uses thin, sterile, solid needles placed into tight bands of muscle, often called trigger points. These spots are tender to the touch and can send pain to nearby areas. "Dry" simply means nothing is injected. At Blue Zone Advanced Chiropractic, Dr. Mobarak uses dry needling alongside chiropractic care for muscle-related pain and stiffness.

Dry needling and acupuncture use similar needles, but they come from different traditions. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling is based on anatomy and on what we find when we examine your muscles.

Who It May Help

Dry needling is commonly used for:

• Tight, sore muscles in the neck and upper shoulders
• Shoulder pain with muscle tension
• Muscle-related low back pain
• Tension headaches linked to tight neck muscles
• Tennis elbow and other overuse strains
• Sports-related muscle tightness in athletes and active adults

It is not a fit for everyone. Let us know if you take blood thinners, are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder or feel very anxious about needles.

What to Expect

Your first visit includes a conversation about your symptoms, a hands-on exam and X-rays taken in our office. If dry needling is part of your care, we explain where the needles will go and what you may feel, and you can stop at any time. Needling is often followed by stretching, an adjustment or exercises.

Some soreness for a day or two afterward is common. Gentle movement, water and heat can help you stay comfortable. The $99 covers your exam, X-rays and your first treatment.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Dry needling is one tool in an approach built around staying active for life, the way people in the Blue Zones keep moving well into older age. Learn more about Live Blue.

Related Reading

• Dry needling vs acupuncture
• Tennis elbow care in The Woodlands

Common questions

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Both use thin, solid needles. Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and its points. Dry needling is based on anatomy: the needle is placed into a tight, tender band of muscle found during a hands-on exam. Read more on dry needling vs acupuncture.

Does dry needling hurt?

The needles are very thin, so most people feel little as they go in. When a needle reaches a tight spot, you may feel a quick twitch or a cramp-like ache that fades. Some soreness for a day or two is common, similar to after a hard workout.

What are the side effects of dry needling?

The most common are soreness, minor bruising and a small spot of bleeding. Some people feel tired or lightheaded afterward. Serious problems, such as a needle reaching the lung when working near the chest wall, are rare. Tell us if you take blood thinners, are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder.

What does the research say about dry needling?

A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis found very low to moderate quality evidence that dry needling reduced musculoskeletal pain more than no treatment or sham needling, in follow-ups of up to about 12 weeks (Gattie et al., 2017). It is best seen as one part of care rather than a stand-alone treatment.

Can dry needling be combined with chiropractic adjustments?

Yes. Dry needling is often used in the same visit as adjustments, stretching and exercise, especially for neck, shoulder and low back muscle tension.