Dry Needling

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a hands-on therapy where a very thin, sterile filament needle is inserted into tight bands of muscle or trigger points.

The goal is to:
Release tension in the muscle
Improve local blood flow
Calm irritated nerves
Reduce pain and restore normal movement
You may also hear dry needling called:
Trigger point dry needling
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS)
Intramuscular dry needling

While it uses a similar type of needle as acupuncture, dry needling is based on modern anatomy, neurology, and connective-tissue science, not Traditional Chinese Medicine.


How Does Dry Needling Work?

When a muscle is overloaded (from a car accident, sports injury, postural strain, or repetitive stress), it can develop tight, irritable trigger points. These points can:
Refer pain away from the actual problem area
Limit range of motion
Keep muscles “on guard,” even at rest

By precisely placing the needle into that trigger point, we can:
Create a brief, controlled twitch response
“Reset" the muscle spindle and nerve input
Flush out irritating chemicals and waste products
Allow the muscle to relax and move normally again

In our office, dry needling is never done in isolation. It’s combined with:
Specific chiropractic adjustments
Soft-tissue work and stretching
Laser therapy, shockwave, or decompression (when appropriate)
Corrective exercises and postural coaching

The goal is simple: treat the tissue diagnosis, not just chase pain.


Conditions Dry Needling Can Help
Dry needling can be helpful for many muscle and connective-tissue–driven problems, including:
Neck and upper-back pain
Low back and hip pain
Headaches and migraines
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
Elbow, forearm, and wrist pain (tennis elbow, mouse shoulder, etc.)
Glute, hamstring, and IT band tightness
Knee pain and post-surgical stiffness (when cleared by your surgeon)
Shin splints and calf tightness
Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
Myofascial pain after car accidents or whiplash injuries
Sports injuries and overuse syndromes

If we don’t think dry needling is the right fit for your case, we’ll tell you—and help get you the right treatment.

Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?

No. Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, but they are not the same treatment.
Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and meridians.
Dry needling is based on modern anatomy, trigger points, and neuromuscular science.

We use dry needling to:
Target specific trigger points
Calm overactive muscles
Support the structural and biomechanical changes we’re making with chiropractic care.

Is Dry Needling Safe?
When performed by a trained provider, dry needling is considered a safe procedure. Common, short-term side effects may include:
Temporary muscle soreness
Mild bruising at the needle site
A tired or relaxed feeling after treatment

We will review your health history to make sure this therapy is appropriate for you. In some cases (certain blood thinners, uncontrolled medical conditions, or needle phobia), we may recommend other options.

How Many Dry Needling Sessions Will I Need?
That depends on:
How long the problem has been present
Whether there is underlying disc, ligament, or joint damage
Your activity level and goals

For some patients, 1–3 sessions provide significant relief; others with chronic or post-traumatic issues may benefit from a short series of sessions as part of a larger care plan. We’ll outline a clear plan with you before we begin.


Dry Needling With a Chiropractor in West Ashley / Charleston, SC
If you’re dealing with:
Muscle tightness that never seems to fully release
Pain that keeps coming back, even after massage or stretching
Headaches, neck pain, or back pain after a car accident or sports injury
Dry needling at Elite Family Chiropractic in West Ashley, Charleston, SC may be a good fit.

We’ll evaluate your spine, connective tissue, and movement first—then decide together whether dry needling should be part of your plan.

Ready to see if dry needling is right for you? Call our office or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation.