Discover Dry Needling at Ideal Human
Experience Targeted Relief from Trigger Points, Reduced Pain, and Restored Mobility
At Ideal Human, Dr. Stephen is 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. Unlike acupuncture, this is based on Western medicine and is targeting the exact 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
What Is Dry Needling? (And How Does It Work?)
Dry needling uses a thin, sterile filiform needle inserted directly into myofascial trigger points—tight, irritable knots in muscle tissue that refer pain to other areas (like a shoulder knot causing headaches). The goal? Mechanically disrupt the knot, trigger a local twitch response, and jumpstart your body’s natural healing process.
Here’s what happens inside your muscle:
| Biological Effect | Result |
|---|---|
| Trigger point deactivation | Instant release of muscle tension |
| Improved blood flow | Faster removal of waste, reduced inflammation |
| Pain gate modulation | Blocks pain signals at the spinal level |
| Muscle re-education | Restores normal length and strength |
Backed by Science: A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs showed dry needling reduces pain by 1.9 points on the 0–10 scale and improves pressure pain threshold by 25%—effects lasting up to 12 weeks.
Gattie E, et al. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Mar;47(3):150-168. PMID: 28158962
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), you may have a brief muscle twitch or a temporary ache in the tight muscle.
- Then the muscle starts to relax. Many say, “It hurts for a second, then settles in and they can hardly feel it.”
- Session time: 10–30 minutes. Common to notice some immediate improvement
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 |
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