What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment technique in which a trained physical therapist uses a thin, sterile needle to target muscles and other soft tissues that may be contributing to pain, tightness, or movement limitations.
Unlike an injection, nothing is placed into the tissue. The needle itself is used as a treatment tool.
At Brown & Bradshaw, dry needling is not used as a one-size-fits-all treatment. We first consider your symptoms, movement, goals, and overall presentation to determine whether it is appropriate and how it should fit into your care.
What Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling may be used to address muscle pain, tightness, and movement limitations that are contributing to a variety of musculoskeletal problems.
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Muscle tightness, trigger points, and movement restrictions involving the neck, upper back, and shoulder region.
Back & Hip Pain
Muscular pain, stiffness, and soft-tissue restrictions that may contribute to limited movement or discomfort.
Headaches Related to Muscle Tension
In some patients, muscle tension and trigger points in the neck and upper shoulder region can contribute to headache symptoms.
Sports & Activity-Related Pain
Muscle soreness, tightness, and movement restrictions that interfere with training, recreation, or athletic performance.
Overuse Injuries
Irritation and muscle tightness associated with repetitive activity, work demands, or changes in training volume.
Muscle Tightness & Trigger Points
Localized areas of muscle tension or tenderness that may limit movement or contribute to pain.
Post-Injury or Post-Surgical Recovery
When appropriate, dry needling may be used alongside exercise and other treatment to address muscle tightness and restore movement.
Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain
For some patients with ongoing musculoskeletal pain, dry needling may be one tool used as part of a broader treatment approach.
Orthopedic Expertise
Dry needling is provided within the context of a broader musculoskeletal evaluation, so we are looking at more than just the painful area.
Individualized Treatment
We use dry needling when it fits your specific symptoms, movement limitations, and goals rather than using the same approach for every patient.
Integrated With Physical Therapy
When dry needling is part of a physical therapy plan, it can be combined with exercise, mobility work, strengthening, and other treatment to address the bigger picture.
Straightforward Cash-Pay Options
Dry needling is available as an add-on during a physical therapy visit or as a dedicated dry-needling visit, with simple, transparent pricing.
Why Choose Brown & Bradshaw for Dry Needling?
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Visit
1. We Talk Through Your Symptoms
We’ll start by discussing what you’re feeling, where you’re having symptoms, what aggravates them, and what you’re hoping to improve.
2. We Determine Whether Dry Needling Is Appropriate
Your therapist will assess the area and consider whether dry needling makes sense for your presentation. If another approach is likely to be more helpful, we’ll explain that too.
3. We Perform the Treatment
A thin, sterile needle is inserted into selected muscles or soft tissues based on your examination and treatment goals. You may feel a brief twitch, ache, or pressure during treatment.
4. We Reassess and Plan the Next Step
After treatment, we’ll reassess how you move and feel, discuss what to expect afterward, and recommend any exercises or follow-up care that may help support your progress.
Dry Needling Pricing
We offer straightforward cash-pay pricing for dry needling.
Dry Needling During a Physical Therapy Visit
$30 add-on
Dry Needling-Only Visit
$45 per visit
Dry Needling During a Full Cash-Pay Visit
For patients receiving full cash-pay physical therapy, dry needling is included when appropriate as part of the visit—there is no additional dry needling charge.