Dry Needling at Ideal Human
Experience Targeted Relief from Trigger Points, Reduced Pain, and Restored Mobility
At Ideal Human, our practitioners are highly trained and certified in dry needling—a precise, evidence-based technique to deactivate myofascial trigger points (those stubborn knots in your muscles) that cause pain, tightness, and limited movement.
This isn’t acupuncture. It’s Western medicine applied directly to the source of your pain.
Keep reading to discover:
- What dry needling actually feels like (yes, there’s a twitch—and it’s worth it)
- How it resets your muscles for real, lasting relief
- Which conditions respond best
- Why patients say it gave them their life back
- And how to know if you’re the right candidate
Conditions That Respond Best to Dry Needling
You’re likely a great fit if your pain comes from tight, overactive muscles—not just joints or nerves. Dry needling shines when trigger points are the driver:
| Condition | Expected Improvement |
|---|---|
| Myofascial Pain Syndrome | 50–70% pain reduction in 4–6 sessions |
| Chronic Neck Pain | 2.8-point drop on pain scale; 25% better neck mobility |
| Tension Headaches | 40% fewer headaches per month |
| Low Back Pain (muscle-related) | 60% reduction in referred leg or hip pain |
| Shoulder Pain / Rotator Cuff Issues | 30% faster return to overhead activities |
| Plantar Fasciitis | 65% less morning heel pain in 4 weeks |
| TMJ / Jaw Clenching | Reduced jaw tension and clicking |
Evidence:
-
In patients with chronic neck pain, dry needling improved function by 28% at 3-month follow-up—better than stretching or manual therapy alone.
Meizoso-Enriquez SP, et al. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 23;12(17):5491. PMID: 37664417 -
For tension-type headaches, it reduced frequency and intensity significantly vs. sham needling.
France S, et al. Headache. 2014 Oct;54(9):1474-85. PMID: 25154395
Your Patient Experience: What It Really Feels Like
During Treatment
- Sensation: A quick, light prick (less than a flu shot), followed by a brief muscle twitch—like a mini cramp or electric zap that lasts 1–2 seconds.
- Then? Immediate relaxation in the muscle. Many say, “It hurts for a second, then feels amazing.”
- Session time: 10–20 minutes. No downtime. Walk in tight, walk out looser.
After Treatment
| Timeframe | What You’ll Notice |
|---|---|
| Right After | 60–70% feel partial relief; some mild soreness (like post-workout) |
| 24–48 Hours | Soreness peaks (ice + hydration helps), then fades |
| After 2–3 Sessions | Major pain drop — often 50%+ improvement |
| After 4–6 Sessions | Full reset — better posture, strength, and freedom |
Proven Effectiveness: Dry needling increases range of motion by 15–20% within 24 hours and sustains pain relief in 80% of patients at 1 month.
Dunning J, et al. Phys Ther Rev. 2021;26(3):152-163.
PMID: 34211914
Is Dry Needling Right for You? (Self-Assessment)
Check the boxes that apply:
- I can feel tight knots in my neck, shoulders, or back
- My pain refers (e.g., neck → headache, low back → hip)
- Stretching and foam rolling help temporarily
- I’ve had recurring muscle pain for 3+ months
- I want fast, targeted relief without meds or surgery