Demystifying Dry Needling: A Pain-Relief Technique You Don’t Need to Fear
At Mile Level Physical Therapy, we’re passionate about helping our patients move better, feel better, and live without pain. One tool in our toolbox that’s gaining attention is dry needling—a technique that might sound intimidating but is transforming lives in our clinics. If the idea of needles makes you hesitate, you’re not alone. But stick with us (pun intended) as we break down what dry needling is, how it works, and why it’s nothing to fear—straight from the experiences of our expert therapists.
What Is Dry Needling, Anyway?
Imagine a tight knot in your shoulder that just won’t let go, sending aches down your arm. That’s where dry needling comes in. Dr. Zachary Lieb, Clinical Director in Altoona, explains it simply: “Dry needling involves the use of a thin filiform needle inserted into a tight or dysfunctional muscle to alleviate pain and tightness.” The needle—solid, not hollow, so no fluids are injected—gently pistons back and forth, targeting trigger points or “knots” that cause discomfort or limit movement.
Dr. Camdeon Gentry from Claysburg adds, “The goal is to release or deactivate these trigger points to reduce pain and improve muscle function.” Picture this: a patient walks in with stiff, achy legs from an old injury. A few precise needle insertions later, the muscle twitches—a sign it’s resetting—and suddenly, movement feels freer. Dr. Brittany Sponsler in Northern Cambria sums it up: “It’s a studied practice to restore the function of the affected muscle, tendon, or connective tissue, optimizing its potential and reducing pain.”
Becoming a Dry Needling Pro
Our therapists don’t just pick up a needle and start poking—they’re highly trained. Dr. Lieb describes the process: “You need to complete three rounds of courses with coursework and hands-on training, followed by a written exam and a practical examination.” Dr. Gentry and Dr. Sponsler both trained with Myopain Seminars, a leader in research-informed practices. “They demonstrate leading qualities in skill,” Gentry notes, ensuring our team is equipped to deliver safe, effective care.
Real Relief, Real Stories
So, how does this translate to the treatment room? Dr. Lieb recalls a recent patient with chronic low back pain: “After dry needling, the muscle returned to its normal length, increasing strength and function—pain was gone in days.” Another patient plagued by migraines found relief as tight neck muscles loosened. Dr. Gentry emphasizes its broader impact: “Using dry needling to restore optimal muscle states allows exercises and other treatments to have the greatest effect for lasting, pain-free function.”
Dr. Sponsler’s experience with chronic pain patients highlights its power. One patient, hobbled by years of knee stiffness, left a session beaming. “I haven’t felt this loose in a decade,” they said, after dry needling unlocked a range of motion they’d forgotten was possible. These stories aren’t outliers—they’re why we believe in this technique.
Facing the Fear of Needles
Let’s address the elephant in the room: needles. It’s the most common fear our therapists hear. Dr. Lieb reassures, “With our techniques, very little pain is felt—if any at all. The most common side effect is soreness, like post-workout muscle soreness, lasting two to three days max.” Once that fades, so does the pain. WATCH our video on what dry needling feels like.
Dr. Gentry takes a hands-on approach to ease worries: “I’ll show them how small the needles are and even tap one into my own forearm to demonstrate the relative comfort.” He’s also been known to let nervous patients watch a session with someone else (with permission, of course). Seeing a fellow patient relax during treatment often flips the script from fear to curiosity.
Dr. Sponsler gets personal: “I tell people about my own fear of needles. If I can do it, they can too.” She leans on her team and past patients as advocates. “I’ll have co-workers who’ve been needled share their experiences, or patients who weren’t afraid talk about how much it’s helped them,” she says. It’s a community effort to show there’s nothing to dread.
Your Path to Pain-Free Living
Dry needling isn’t about enduring pain—it’s about ending it. At Mile Level Physical Therapy, our certified therapists are here to guide you through it with skill, empathy, and a knack for making the unknown feel approachable. Whether it’s chronic headaches, stubborn back pain, or a muscle that just won’t cooperate, this technique could be your turning point. Ready to ditch the fear and embrace the relief? Let’s talk—your knot-free future awaits.