What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used to release myofascial trigger points, reduce muscle tension, and support recovery from both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Using a thin, sterile needle inserted directly into the affected tissue, the treatment stimulates blood flow, reduces pain, and helps restore normal muscle function. At Superior Physical Therapy, Keely Behning brings over 10 years of advanced dry needling experience to each session, treating conditions including chronic headaches, neck and back pain, shoulder pain, elbow tendonitis, hip and glute pain, calf strains, and plantar fasciitis.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that uses thin filiform needles to target myofascial trigger points, the tight, irritable knots in muscle tissue that cause localized and referred pain. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy and is performed by licensed physical therapists with specific training in the technique.
The needle is inserted directly into the trigger point, producing a brief involuntary muscle twitch. This response disrupts the dysfunctional activity at the trigger point, promotes blood flow, and begins the process of tissue repair. Patients tend to notice a measurable reduction in pain and muscle tension within the first one treatment.
Dry needling is commonly used for chronic neck and back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, calf strains, hip and glute tightness, and elbow pain. It is often combined with manual therapy or shockwave therapy for a more comprehensive treatment effect.
Dry Needling at Superior Physical Therapy
Keely Behning, PT, SCS, ATC has been performing dry needling for over 10 years at high daily volume. As a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist, a distinction held by fewer than 2% of physical therapists in Minnesota, Keely approaches dry needling as one component of a broader clinical picture, not a standalone protocol. Needling decisions are based on a thorough musculoskeletal assessment, not a standardized treatment menu.
At Superior PT, dry needling may be combined with electrical stimulation through the needle (e-stim dry needling) for enhanced trigger point release, manual therapy for joint mobility and soft tissue work, and shockwave therapy for chronic tendon and fascial conditions.
What to Expect at Your Dry Needling Appointment
Assessment
Needling Treatment
Follow-Up and Home Care
What Dry Needling Can Help With
Chronic pain and muscle tension: Patients commonly report significant reduction in localized and referred pain after one to three sessions, particularly for neck, back, and shoulder presentations.
Recovery from overuse and tendon injury: Dry needling is effective for tendinopathies including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and patellar tendinopathy, often in combination with shockwave therapy.
Improved range of motion and function: Release of persistent trigger points reliably improves movement quality and reduces compensatory patterns that maintain injury cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling
No. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, based on meridian theory and energy flow. Dry needling is a physical therapy technique based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy, targeting specific trigger points to address pain and dysfunction. The needles are the same, but the clinical reasoning and target points are different.
Most patients feel little during needle insertion. The muscle twitch response produces a sharp twinge sensation that is very brief. Post-treatment soreness, similar to what you might feel after a deep massage, is common for 24 to 48 hours.
Dry needling is effective after one treatment. For most conditions we will perform three to six sessions, often with noticeable improvement after the first visit. Chronic or complex presentations may require a longer course. Some people choose to do dry needling at regular intervals to treat chronic conditions such as headaches, neck or back pain. Keely will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment based on your specific findings.
Book Your Dry Needling Appointment
10+ years of high-volume dry needling experience, combined with a Board Certification in Sports Clinical Specialty. Schedule your first session today.
Superior Physical Therapy
1415 Mendota Heights Rd, 100Mendota Heights, MN
55120 View Staff & Treatments
