Dry Needling Therapy in Clifton, NJ
Clifton Physical Therapy
Living with muscle pain can make everyday tasks harder than they should be. In New Jersey, many people deal with neck tension, back pain, headaches, or sports-related muscle issues that don’t fully improve with rest alone.
Dry needling therapy is a research-supported treatment used in physical therapy to reduce muscle pain, restore movement, and help patients return to normal activity faster when combined with corrective exercise and hands-on care.
What Is Dry Needling Therapy?
Dry needling is a physical therapy technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement limitations caused by tight or dysfunctional muscles. During treatment, a licensed provider inserts a thin, solid needle into specific areas of muscle tissue known as myofascial trigger points.
The term myofascial refers to:
Myo: muscle
Fascia: the connective tissue surrounding muscles
Trigger points are tight, knotted bands within a muscle that are often painful when pressed. They can also cause referred pain, meaning discomfort felt in a different area than where the trigger point is located. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder may cause pain down the arm or into the neck.
Dry needling does not involve medication or injections. The needle itself creates a therapeutic response in the muscle, which is why the technique is described as “dry.” While the needles used are the same type as those used in acupuncture, dry needling is based on modern anatomy, neuroscience, and pain science—not traditional Chinese medicine.
At Clifton Physical Therapy, dry needling is used as part of a comprehensive physical therapy plan, not as a stand-alone treatment.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Research shows that overworked or injured muscles can enter a state known as a local energy crisis. In this state, the muscle fibers do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to restricted blood flow. As a result:
The tissue becomes more acidic
Pain-sensitive nerves become irritated
The muscle loses its ability to fully relax
When a needle is placed into a trigger point, it stimulates a physiological response that helps restore normal circulation. This improved blood flow helps flush out metabolic waste, reduce chemical irritation, and allow the muscle to reset toward its normal resting length.
In many cases, the needle triggers a brief muscle contraction called a local twitch response. Studies associate this response with improved pain reduction and muscle relaxation. The stimulation also activates the nervous system, encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins.
Clinical research published in journals such as Pain, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, and Physical Therapy has shown that dry needling can:
Reduce muscle pain and stiffness
Improve range of motion
Normalize motor end plate activity
Support faster return to active rehabilitation when combined with exercise
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help Treat?
Dry needling is commonly used to address pain and movement problems related to muscle dysfunction. In a physical therapy setting, it may help patients who are dealing with:
Neck and shoulder pain
Low back pain and muscle spasms
Tendon-related pain, including tendonitis
Headaches and jaw pain linked to muscle tension
Hip, knee, and ankle muscle restrictions
Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel-related muscle tightness
Postural muscle overload from desk work or long commutes
Dry needling is especially helpful when pain persists despite stretching or massage alone. By directly targeting deep trigger points, it allows patients to move more comfortably and engage more effectively in corrective exercises.
When used appropriately, dry needling helps reduce pain so patients can focus on rebuilding strength, improving movement patterns, and preventing symptoms from returning.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
Before treatment begins, your physical therapist will review your medical history and perform a detailed movement and muscle assessment. This step is critical. Dry needling is only used when muscle trigger points are clearly contributing to pain or movement limitations.
On the day of treatment, the skin over the targeted area is cleaned, and single-use, sterile needles are prepared. Your therapist locates the trigger point by palpation and inserts the needle directly into the affected muscle. Depending on the depth and technique used, the needle may remain in place briefly or be gently moved in and out of the tissue. During the session, you may feel:
A brief muscle twitch
A dull ache or pressure
Mild soreness in the treated area
These sensations are expected and usually indicate that the muscle is responding. Sessions are typically short, and dry needling is often followed by stretching, mobility work, or corrective exercises to reinforce the benefits.
What Happens After Dry Needling Treatment?
After the needles are removed, your therapist will reassess your movement and comfort level. Some people notice immediate improvement in mobility or pain. Others experience mild soreness that peaks within 24 to 36 hours. Common post-treatment effects include:
Temporary muscle soreness
Mild stiffness
Light bruising at the insertion site
Staying active is encouraged. Gentle movement helps the muscle recover and prevents stiffness. Drinking water and following prescribed exercises can also improve recovery.
Most patients require more than one session, especially when pain has been present for weeks or months. Dry needling works best as part of an ongoing physical therapy program rather than a one-time intervention.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
Dry needling is not pain-free, but it is usually well tolerated. The needle itself is very thin, and many patients barely feel it entering the skin. Discomfort is more likely when the needle reaches a sensitive trigger point.
The muscle twitch response can feel intense for a moment, but it typically fades quickly. Any soreness afterward is comparable to post-exercise muscle fatigue and resolves within a day or two. Patients often report that short-term discomfort is outweighed by improved movement and reduced pain afterward.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
When performed by a properly trained physical therapist, dry needling is considered a low-risk procedure. Large reviews in peer-reviewed journals have found that serious complications are extremely rare. Possible side effects include:
Temporary soreness
Minor bleeding
Bruising
Fatigue or lightheadedness
Rare complications, such as infection or lung injury, are minimized through strict training, sterile technique, and anatomical knowledge. Patients should always confirm that their provider is certified and experienced in dry needling techniques.
Who Should Avoid Dry Needling?
Dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone. It is generally avoided or modified for individuals who:
Are pregnant
Have bleeding disorders or use blood thinners
Have compromised immune systems
Have a strong fear of needles
Recently underwent surgery in the treatment area
Children under 12 typically are not candidates due to discomfort and limited tolerance. Your physical therapist will help determine whether dry needling is appropriate or if other techniques would be more suitable.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
While dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, they are based on very different principles. Acupuncture originates from traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow through meridians. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including stress, fatigue, and systemic issues.
Dry needling is grounded in Western medicine and targets specific muscles, trigger points, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Its purpose is to reduce muscle pain, restore mobility, and improve physical function. In physical therapy, dry needling is integrated with movement retraining, strengthening, and manual therapy to address the root cause of pain.
Why Dry Needling Is Effective for Active Adults
Many people in New Jersey lead active lives—working long hours, commuting, exercising, or playing recreational sports. These demands often overload muscles and lead to chronic tightness or recurring pain. Dry needling helps by:
Reducing stubborn muscle tension
Improving joint mobility
Allowing exercises to be performed with less pain
Supporting faster return to daily activities
When pain limits movement, progress slows. By addressing muscle trigger points directly, dry needling helps remove barriers to recovery.
When Should You Consider Dry Needling?
You may be a good candidate for dry needling if:
Muscle pain has not improved with rest or stretching
You have limited range of motion without a clear joint injury
Pain returns repeatedly despite other treatments
Trigger points reproduce your symptoms when pressed
Speak with our licensed physical therapist, get a thorough evaluation, and find out if this treatment is right for you. Call (973) 241-1338 to book your appointment and take the next step toward moving comfortably again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is dry needling so expensive?
Dry needling is often priced higher because it requires specialized training, one-on-one care, and medical-grade equipment. The cost also reflects the therapist’s time, assessment, and follow-up treatment.
What to avoid after dry needling?
Avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts, and deep stretching for 24 hours. Stay hydrated, move gently, and follow your therapist’s home exercises.
What are the disadvantages of dry needling?
Possible soreness, bruising, and temporary stiffness. Rare risks include infection or nerve irritation, which is minimized with trained providers.
What is better, acupuncture or dry needling?
Neither is universally better; it depends on your condition. Dry needling targets muscle trigger points, while acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles.
How long after dry needling do you see results?
Some patients feel relief immediately, while others notice improvements within 24–72 hours. Multiple sessions may be needed for lasting change.
What patients are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
