Chances are, you've heard the term "dry needling" more and more. In this blog post, we'll break down all of the dry needling details! What it is and why it can be a very effective treatment.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by physical therapists to treat pain and movement issues by inserting thin, filiform needles into myofascial trigger points (tight muscle bands). At Chicago Mama Physical Therapy in Barrington, IL, we use dry needling for a variety of issues including pelvic floor issues, back pain, neck pain, postural pain, and C-section scar mobility.

How Dry Needling Works

Dry needling uses thin, sterile needles to release tight muscles and fascia, improve blood flow, and reduce pain or tension. It targets trigger points and restricted tissue—supporting better movement and healing. It can also be used to help soften and desensitize scar tissue, like C-section or perineal scars.

What Happens During a Dry Needling Session?

During a dry needling session, you will lie or sit on a table and a physical therapist will identify specific trigger points in your muscles. The therapist will insert a thin, solid needle through the skin into the muscle. While some needles are painless, others may elicit a "twitch response." This twitch is involuntary and may feel like a quick cramp or brief pressure. This twitch serves as a reset between a muscle and a nerve. When dry needling for scar tissue we are releasing the fascia and tension in and around the scar. It is a gentle form of treatment that may cause light achiness while the needle is inserted. After treatment, you will feel an increase ease of movement, decreased pain or discomfort, and better activation of the surrounding muscles.

What to Expect After Dry Needling

After dry needling, you may experience a reduction in your pain or discomfort immediately, increase ease of movement, and better activation of the surrounding muscles. You may also experience soreness for 1–2 days—just as you would from a workout.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?

How is dry needling different from acupuncture? This is one of the most common questions we get asked. Dry needling is distinct from acupuncture, as it is based on Western neuroanatomy and modern scientific studies of musculoskeletal, neural, and connective tissues rather than traditional Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture is an eastern-based alternative medicine that uses meridians and acupoints, which are predetermined spots on your body in order to manipulate your body's energy to achieve the desired result.

Dry needling is focused on one spot (and one needle) in the muscle. While you may have several areas that need treatment, dry needling will treat one spot at a time. The needle is not left in, like it is with acupuncture.

Why We Use Dry Needling in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

At Chicago Mama Physical Therapy, dry needling is just one effective tool in our toolkit to reduce pain, improve mobility, and get to the root of your muscular tension. In our work to get to the root cause of your concerns, we will do a full-body assessment. From head to toe—not just your pelvic floor! We'll address any concerns you may have, including looking at your abdominals, hips, thighs, feet, neck, and posterior pelvis.

How Chicago Mama Physical Therapy Can Help

At Chicago Mama Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping women reclaim their strength, comfort, and confidence. Here is how our office stands out:

Dedicated attention for one-on-one sessions that last one hour and you will never be handed off to an aide
Treatment in the privacy and comfort of a tranquil private treatment room rather than a busy physical therapy gym
You will always be seen by the same physical therapist instead of seeing different practitioners each visit
Your therapist is specialized in the field of pelvic health and physical therapy
We will treat you as a whole person looking not only at your pelvic floor but the rest of you with a focus on helping you understand and prioritize your goals

You do not have to live with discomfort — healing is possible.

Next Steps for Healing

If you’re dealing with pelvic pain, muscle tension, or discomfort that just hasn’t resolved, dry needling may be a helpful next step. For many patients, it can feel like the “reset” their body has been waiting for.

If you’re curious whether dry needling is right for you, we’d love to talk. Schedule a free discovery call to learn how pelvic floor physical therapy—and dry needling—can support your healing journey. If you’re in Barrington, IL or the surrounding Northwest suburbs, visit chicagomamapt.com/contact or call 312.554.5146.

Schedule Now!

Dry Needling Physical Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Helps Pelvic Pain