Dry Needling
If you are looking for dry needling therapy, Hargrave Chiropractic offers this effective treatment at our Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, and Youngsville locations. Our trained chiropractors use dry needling to help relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and restore mobility for patients dealing with both chronic and acute conditions.
Dry needling targets specific trigger points in the muscles using thin, sterile needles to release tightness, improve blood flow, and promote healing. It is a safe, evidence-based technique that can provide significant relief for conditions such as back pain, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and tension headaches. Many patients experience improved movement and reduced discomfort after just a few sessions.
Contact Hargrave Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment and discover how dry needling can be part of your personalized treatment plan for lasting pain relief and better mobility.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern therapeutic technique that involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into specific trigger points to relieve chronic pain and restore proper muscle function. A trigger point is a tight, sensitive area within a muscle that can cause pain, stiffness, or restricted movement. Treating these points helps release tension and promote better muscle performance.
This approach has become increasingly popular among athletes and active individuals in Louisiana because of its ability to quickly reduce muscle pain and improve recovery. Chiropractors and physical therapists often include dry needling in treatment plans to enhance mobility and reduce discomfort. While methods may vary slightly among practitioners, dry needling is an evidence-based, safe, and effective option for addressing musculoskeletal pain.
During a session, very fine filiform needles are inserted into the affected muscle tissue. You may feel a brief muscle twitch response, which is a normal sign that the treatment is working. The term “dry” refers to the fact that no medication or fluid is injected — the needles are empty, making the technique purely mechanical and natural.
Is Dry Needling Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans do not currently cover dry needling. However, many patients find the treatment worthwhile due to its effectiveness in managing pain and improving mobility. As research continues to support its benefits, more insurers may include coverage in the future.
Other Names for Dry Needling
- Functional Dry Needling
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
- Acupuncture: An ancient Chinese practice developed over 3,000 years ago, acupuncture uses thin needles placed at specific points along energy pathways in the body to restore balance, or “qi.”
- Dry Needling: A modern, science-based treatment that uses sterile needles to target tight or painful muscles. The goal is to stimulate a neurological response that helps the brain and muscles communicate more effectively, reducing pain and improving movement.
While both therapies use similar needles, dry needling focuses on releasing muscular tension and improving function through a modern understanding of anatomy and neurology. If you are in the Lafayette area and interested in dry needling, contact Hargrave Chiropractic to schedule a consultation.
Dry Needling Pain: What to Expect
How Painful Is Dry Needling?
- Dry needling feels different for everyone. Some patients experience mild discomfort or a brief ache when the needle reaches a trigger point, while others describe a quick twitching sensation in the muscle. These responses are normal and indicate that the muscle is releasing tension. Although the sensation may be momentarily uncomfortable, the relief and improved mobility that follow often make the experience worthwhile. Dry needling techniques are supported by years of peer-reviewed research and are designed to be safe and effective when performed by a trained professional.
How Long Does a Dry Needling Session Last?
- Each dry needling session at Hargrave Chiropractic typically lasts about 30 minutes, with the needling portion itself taking only a few minutes per treatment area such as the shoulder, hip, or knee. Mild muscle soreness is common and usually fades within 12 to 24 hours. Many patients notice lasting benefits for several days following treatment, and most care plans include a short series of sessions to achieve the best long-term results.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Evidence-based health benefits of dry needling include:
- Reducing pain in the lower back, neck, knees, shoulders, and other areas affected by myofascial pain
- Supporting and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes
- Relieving headaches and migraines
- Improving blood flow and circulation
- Increasing range of motion and flexibility
- Decreasing muscle tension, tightness, and spasms
- Helping manage fibromyalgia symptoms
- Providing relief for plantar fasciitis
- Improving discomfort from golfer’s elbow
- Helping alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms
- Reducing pain related to tendonitis
- Helping relieve sciatica symptoms
What to Expect with Dry Needling
There are two main methods used in dry needling therapy:
- The first technique uses several needles that remain in place for a short period of time. In some cases, gentle electrical stimulation may be applied to enhance muscle relaxation and circulation.
- The second technique involves placing a single needle into a trigger point and moving it slightly to stimulate the muscle. This creates a brief, sharp sensation that helps release tension and encourage healing.
At Hargrave Chiropractic, we often use the second approach because of how it interacts with the body’s natural sensory pathways. The sensation travels along what is known as the spinothalamic pathway — a direct communication line from the affected area to the brain. This process helps the nervous system identify and respond to areas of discomfort, supporting the body’s ability to restore normal muscle function and relieve pain.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
- Dry needling works by inserting very thin, sterile needles into myofascial trigger points and connective tissues to stimulate the brain and nervous system. (“Myo” refers to muscle, while “fascia” refers to the soft tissue surrounding and supporting those muscles.) This stimulation helps reset the muscle, improve blood flow, and promote healing throughout the area.
Who Should Not Have Dry Needling?
While dry needling is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are a few situations where it may not be recommended. You should avoid or delay treatment if any of the following apply:
- You have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication
- You are pregnant, particularly during the first trimester
Your chiropractor will always review your health history and discuss any concerns before starting treatment to ensure dry needling is a safe option for you.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
Trigger point dry needling is a low-risk, research-based technique used to effectively treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. It offers a natural, cost-efficient way to relieve pain, reduce tension, and restore movement.
Modern studies have consistently shown that dry needling helps reduce chronic pain and muscle soreness by targeting active myofascial trigger points within the muscles. This evidence-based approach is designed to help your body heal and function more efficiently.
At Hargrave Chiropractic, our team uses safe, proven treatment methods to help you return to your daily activities as quickly and comfortably as possible. We fully support dry needling as part of our rehabilitation and pain management programs.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us at (337) 232-6000. Visit Hargrave Chiropractic in Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, or Youngsville, right here in the heart of Acadiana.