A: Dry needling is a technique where thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points — tight knots in your muscles that cause pain and restrict movement. It’s called “dry” because nothing is injected. The needle itself does the work by releasing the trigger point and allowing the muscle to relax.
A: No. While both use thin needles, they’re completely different practices. Acupuncture is rooted in
traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow. Dry needling is based on anatomy and
targets specific muscular trigger points to relieve pain and restore function.
A: Most patients feel mild pressure or a brief muscle twitch when the needle reaches the trigger point.
It’s not typically painful, but it can feel unfamiliar. Many patients are surprised by how easy it is. Dr.
Sarah will always communicate with you throughout the treatment and adjust based on your comfort
level.
A: That twitch is actually a good thing. It means the needle found the trigger point and the muscle is
releasing. It only lasts a second and is a normal part of the process.
A: Dry needling can help with a wide range of issues including chronic muscle tightness, tension
headaches, TMJ and jaw pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, low back pain, and stubborn knots
that don’t respond to stretching or massage.
A: Some patients feel relief right away. Others may feel sore in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours —
similar to how you’d feel after a hard workout. Occasionally patients may feel tired or a little off for an
hour or two after treatment. This is normal and temporary.
A: This depends on your condition, how long you’ve been dealing with it, and how your body
responds. Many patients see significant improvement within 2 to 4 sessions. Dr. Sarah will assess
your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
A: Yes, when performed by a trained and certified physical therapist. Dr. Sarah uses single-use,
sterile, disposable needles and follows strict safety protocols. The most common side effect is
temporary soreness. Serious complications are extremely rare.
A: Dry needling may not be appropriate for patients on blood thinners or immunosuppressive
medications, those with metal implants near the treatment area, or anyone with certain medical
conditions. Dr. Sarah screens every patient individually before recommending dry needling.
A: No. In Missouri, you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. However, if you have
specific medical concerns, it’s always a good idea to let your doctor know.
A: CORE is a private pay clinic, which means you don’t need to deal with insurance approvals,
referrals, or surprise bills. Private pay allows Dr. Sarah to spend more one-on-one time with you,
design your treatment around what you actually need, and get you better results faster — without the
limitations insurance companies often place on how many visits you can have or what treatments are
covered. Many patients find that private pay PT is more affordable than they expected when they
factor in copays, deductibles, and the extra visits that insurance-based clinics often require.
A: Fill out our quick Dry Needling Inquiry Form on our website. Dr. Sarah personally reviews every
inquiry and will reach out to you to discuss whether dry needling is the right fit for your needs.