Why People Seek Dry Needling
Many people seek dry needling when muscle tightness, pain, or restricted movement lingers despite other treatments.
The discomfort often feels specific yet hard to resolve—tight bands of muscle that don’t fully relax, pain that refers elsewhere, or movement that feels limited despite effort. Dry needling can help address these deeper muscular patterns when used thoughtfully and with skill.
What is Dry Needling?
Trigger point dry needling is a needle-based technique used to treat muscle tightness, spasm, and pain.
It involves the precise insertion of acupuncture needles into areas of muscle tension known as trigger points—tight, protective spasms within muscle tissue. These trigger points can contribute to both local discomfort and referred pain, affecting areas such as the neck, shoulders, hips, jaw, or limbs.
When a needle is placed in the appropriate location, the muscle may respond with a brief contraction or “twitch,” followed by a release. This response allows the muscle to relax more fully, improving circulation, mobility, and overall tissue function.
Our Method
Clinically Guided
Dry needling is used only when appropriate, based on careful assessment and clinical reasoning—not as a default technique.
Integrated
When beneficial, dry needling is combined with traditional acupuncture points to address both localized muscle patterns and broader systemic balance.
Anatomy-Driven
Treatments are guided by a deep understanding of anatomy, movement, and how the body compensates over time.
This approach allows dry needling to support healing without overwhelming the system or isolating symptoms.
How Dry Needling Can Help
Muscle Tightness & Pain Patterns
Chronic muscle tension and protective spasm
Trigger points contributing to referred pain
Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort
Jaw tension and TMJ-related pain
Movement & Range of Motion
Decreased mobility or stiffness
Pain with movement or exercise
Postural strain and compensation patterns
Repetitive use or overuse injuries
Nerve & Tendon-Related Symptoms
Sciatica and nerve irritation
Tendonitis and tendinopathy
Carpal tunnel–type symptoms
Joint irritation influenced by muscle tension
Recovery After Injury or Strain
Lingering discomfort after acute injury
Muscle guarding following trauma or surgery
Delayed healing due to persistent tension
Support during rehabilitation and return to activity
Circulation & Tissue Health
Reduced blood flow to tight or restricted areas
Muscle fatigue and delayed recovery
Local inflammation related to chronic tension
Improved oxygenation of affected tissues
Chronic Patterns Without a Clear Cause
Pain that persists despite rest or treatment
Recurrent flare-ups without obvious injury
Sensations of tightness, pulling, or imbalance
Symptoms influenced by long-standing compensation
Dry needling does not override the body—it supports release where tension has been holding, allowing movement and relief to return naturally.
Your Dry Needling Experience
Your First Visit
Dry needling is introduced thoughtfully, with clear communication and careful pacing to ensure comfort and understanding throughout treatment.
Sessions
Brief sensations such as a twitch, pressure, or warmth may occur, followed by release. Mild soreness is normal and resolves quickly.
Integration
Dry needling is adapted to your comfort and integrated into acupuncture care when it supports progress without overwhelming the body.
An Integrated Approach to Dry Needling
Dry needling is not offered as a standalone service at True North.
When appropriate, it is incorporated into acupuncture care alongside other needle-based techniques to address both localized muscle patterns and the broader systems influencing pain and movement. This allows treatment to move beyond isolated symptoms and support more complete, lasting change.
Integration is always intentional. Dry needling is used when it adds value—not by default—and is guided by careful assessment, clinical reasoning, and how your body responds over time.
Holistically Crafted
A Denver Acupuncture & Wellness Blog
We share a holistic perspective designed for active individuals and families, offering practical, approachable guidance and tools that support mindful, whole-body health.
The Holistically Crafted - A Holistic Health Blog | True North Acupuncture & Therapy in Denver
