Everything You Need to Know About Dry Needling at Our Charlotte, NC Physical Therapy Clinic
Let's talk all things dry needling! If you’ve been struggling with muscle pain, stiffness, or delayed recovery from injury, you might have heard about dry needling—but what exactly is it, and how can it help? At our Balanced Physical Therapy & Pilates in Charlotte, NC, we’re proud to offer dry needling as one of our many evidence-based tools to support your recovery and long-term wellness. Dry needling is a great tool to facilitate positive changes in pain levels and enhance the ability to activate inhibited musculature. Dry needling can quicken the recovery process from injury or strenuous activity, and can provide relief from chronic pain, especially when paired with therapeutic movement or activities. Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone managing chronic pain, dry needling may be just what your body needs to get back on track.
Let’s break down what dry needling is, how it works, who it’s for, and why it could be a powerful addition to your physical therapy plan.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by trained physical therapists to treat myofascial pain and muscle dysfunction. It involves the insertion of a thin, solid filament needle directly into the muscle tissue—specifically into areas known as trigger points. These are taut, hyper-irritable bands in the muscle that can cause localized pain and refer pain to other areas.
At our Charlotte clinic, we practice Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN), which targets these specific trigger points to help relieve tension, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function. This technique does not involve the injection of any medication—the “dry” in dry needling simply means that the needle is not delivering any substance into the body.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling works on both a mechanical and cellular level. The insertion of the needle into a trigger point can cause what's known as a local twitch response—this is an involuntary muscle contraction that helps release tight muscle fibers.
Beyond the mechanical response, dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. Here’s how:
Improved Blood Flow: The needle creates a micro-lesion that encourages increased circulation, helping oxygen and nutrients reach the affected area more effectively.
Neurological Response: It can help reduce the presence of inflammatory neurotransmitters like substance P, which are often elevated in chronic pain conditions.
Muscle Activation: Dry needling has been shown to improve muscle activation by decreasing the inhibition often seen in injured or overused muscles.
How Is Dry Needling Different from Acupuncture?
One of the most common questions we get at our Charlotte physical therapy clinic is, “Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?” Dry needling is different than acupuncture, though the needles are similar! Acupuncture, based in Eastern medicine, targets pre-established meridians and energy channels to facilitate systemic changes, while dry needling targets muscular trigger points based on an individual's anatomy. While the tools look the same—the needles used in both treatments are fine and hair-thin—the approach and underlying philosophy are very different.
Dry Needling is rooted in Western medicine and targets muscle dysfunction based on anatomical and physiological principles.
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and involves inserting needles along meridians (energy pathways) to restore the body’s balance and energy flow.
In short, dry needling is about treating muscle and movement dysfunction, while acupuncture is focused on restoring systemic energy flow.
Who Can Perform Dry Needling in North Carolina?
In the state of North Carolina, dry needling is considered a skilled intervention and can only be performed by licensed clinicians—such as physical therapists—who have completed additional formal training in the technique. This ensures that the treatment is both safe and effective.
At our Charlotte clinic, Dr. Julie Brace, PT, DPT, is fully certified and experienced in dry needling. Every session is performed with the utmost care, with a thorough evaluation beforehand to ensure it’s the right treatment for your condition and goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dry Needling?
Dry needling can be a fantastic treatment option for a wide range of people, including:
Athletes recovering from sports injuries
Individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, tension headaches, or low back pain
Post-surgical patients looking to restore muscle function
People experiencing muscle tightness or trigger points due to posture or repetitive strain
However, dry needling isn’t for everyone. Before beginning treatment, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you’re a good candidate. Certain medical conditions, a history of fainting, or needle phobia may be contraindications.
Benefits of Dry Needling
There’s a reason why dry needling is becoming a go-to tool for physical therapists across the country. Here are some of the top benefits:
✅ Fast Results
Many patients experience relief within the first few sessions. While dry needling is rarely a standalone cure, it can be a powerful catalyst in the early stages of recovery.
✅ Non-Medicated Approach
Because the needles used are unmedicated, there’s no risk of medication side effects or dependency. It’s a purely mechanical and neurological intervention—meaning it works with your body’s natural healing abilities.
✅ Helps With Chronic and Acute Pain
Dry needling isn’t just for recent injuries. It can be a game-changer for chronic conditions that have resisted other forms of treatment.
✅ Complements Other Therapies
Dry needling is most effective when used in combination with other therapeutic interventions such as manual therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and functional movement retraining.
Potential Drawbacks of Dry Needling
As with any medical intervention, there are a few things to be aware of:
⚠️ Requires a Skilled Provider
Because this technique involves penetrating the skin and reaching muscle tissue, it must be performed by someone who is highly trained and licensed.
⚠️ Post-Treatment Soreness
Some people may experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours following treatment. This is a normal response and typically resolves quickly.
⚠️ Not Right for Everyone
While dry needling is safe for most, individuals with certain medical conditions or sensitivities may not be suitable candidates. Your therapist will ensure you’re fully evaluated before starting.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
When you come to our Charlotte physical therapy clinic for dry needling, here’s what you can expect:
Assessment: Your PT will begin by assessing your movement, pain patterns, and muscle function to identify appropriate trigger points.
Treatment: The dry needles are inserted into the muscle for a short period—often just a few seconds to a few minutes.
Movement: After needling, we often incorporate guided therapeutic movement to help reinforce muscle activation and improve long-term outcomes.
Recovery Advice: You’ll receive guidance on what to expect post-treatment, including hydration, movement, and soreness management.
Real Results from Charlotte Clients
We’ve seen firsthand how dry needling has helped our patients in Charlotte reduce pain, improve function, and get back to doing the things they love. From runners who finally found relief from hamstring tension to office workers easing years of neck and shoulder pain, dry needling has played a role in transforming lives. The results we have delivered utilizing dry needling as a, tool have changed numerous patients' lives enabled them to achieve their goals. If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Julie Brace, our dry needling expert!
Ready to Try Dry Needling in Charlotte, NC?
If you're curious about how dry needling could fit into your physical therapy plan, we’re here to help. At our Balanced Physical Therapy & Pilates, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to design personalized treatment plans that help you feel and move better.
Book your free discovery call or schedule your initial evaluation with Dr. Julie Brace, PT, DPT, today—and take the first step toward lasting relief.