If you’ve been struggling with muscle pain, nagging tension, or limited mobility, chances are you’ve tried stretching, massages, or maybe even chiropractic adjustments. But there’s another chiropractic care therapy gaining momentum in the world of musculoskeletal care: dry needling.

At Jupiter Spine and Performance, we’re excited to bring in Dry Needling as a service offered to our patients here in Jupiter, FL. Whether you’ve heard of it before or it’s brand new to you, this blog will answer the most common questions people ask about dry needling: “What it is, how it works, what it treats, and whether it might be the right option for you”.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based therapy used by chiropractors and other healthcare providers to treat muscle pain and dysfunction.

Dry needling is a technique that uses very thin, solid needles (similar to acupuncture needles) to target tight, overactive muscles, often called “trigger points”. These trigger points are knots or tight bands within muscle fibers that can cause pain locally or refer pain to other areas.

The term “dry” comes from the fact that there’s no medication or injection involved. The needle itself is the treatment. By inserting the needle into a trigger point, the muscle is stimulated, often causing a quick “twitch response” that helps release tension.

In simple terms:

Think of your tight muscle like a clenched fist… Dry needling helps that fist unclench so the muscle can relax and heal properly.

Here’s how it works:

• Very thin, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific muscle trigger points (commonly known as “knots”) or tight bands of tissue.
• The goal is to release tension, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function.
• Some patients may feel a quick “twitch” response when the needle hits a tight spot. This is actually a good sign that the muscle is resetting.

What Does Dry Needling Actually Do?

When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it creates a small controlled disruption within the muscle fibers and

Increases Blood Flow
Fresh oxygen and nutrients rush to the area, promoting healing and flushing out built-up waste products like lactic acid.

Decreases Pain Signals
Needling affects the way the nervous system processes pain, helping to “turn down the volume” on pain pathways.

What are the Benefits of Dry Needling?

So why do so many athletes and everyday individuals turn to dry needling for relief?
Here are some of the top benefits of dry needling:

1. Reduces Muscle Pain and Tightness: By targeting trigger points, dry needling helps release knots that are often responsible for aching, burning, or radiating pain.
2. Improves Range of Motion: Tight muscles can limit flexibility and mobility. Dry needling helps loosen these restrictions, making movement easier and more comfortable.
3. Accelerates Injury Recovery: Whether it’s a sports injury or a chronic condition, dry needling can help speed up healing by increasing blood flow and stimulating the body’s natural repair processes.
4. Decreases Nerve Irritation: Trigger points sometimes press on nearby nerves, causing pain to travel into other areas (like sciatica down the leg). Dry needling can calm this irritation and reduce referred pain.
5. Enhances Athletic Performance: By restoring proper muscle activation and reducing restrictions, dry needling can help athletes move more efficiently and decrease the risk of re-injury.
6. Complements Other Treatments: Dry needling works well alongside chiropractic care, exercise therapy, and soft tissue techniques, making it a powerful addition to a personalized treatment plan.

What Does the Science Say?

Research on dry needling has been steadily growing! Studies show it can be especially effective for:

• Myofascial pain syndrome (chronic pain linked to muscle trigger points)
• Neck pain
• Low back pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Sports-related injuries

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and multiple peer-reviewed journals recognize dry needling as a safe and evidence-based intervention when performed by trained professionals.

In fact, many people use dry needling as part of their recovery toolbox to speed healing and maintain peak performance.

Conditions That Can Be Treated with Dry Needling

One of the most common questions we get is: What can dry needling actually help with?

Here’s a list of commonly treated conditions:

• Muscle pain and stiffness (neck, back, shoulders, hips, calves, etc.)
• Joint dysfunction (restricted mobility due to tight surrounding muscles)
• Headaches and migraines
• Plantar fasciitis
• Shoulder pain (including rotator cuff issues)
• TMJ disorders (jaw pain and clenching)
• Tendinopathies (tennis elbow, Achilles tendon pain, patellar tendon issues)
• Sciatica or nerve-related tension
• Post-surgical or post-injury muscle tightness

Dry needling isn’t just for pain relief. Many patients notice improvements in posture, flexibility, and athletic performance

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dry Needling?

Dry needling may be a great fit for you if:

• You have chronic muscle pain that hasn’t improved with stretching or massage
• You feel knots or tight bands that won’t release
• You’re an athlete looking to recover faster or improve performance
• You struggle with headaches, back pain, or joint stiffness

However, it may not be the best option for everyone. Dry needling is generally not recommended if you are:

• Pregnant (certain areas may be contraindicated)
• On blood-thinning medications
• Someone with a bleeding disorder
• Afraid of needles (though most people find dry needling surprisingly comfortable)

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

If you’re new to dry needling, you might be a little nervous, and that’s completely normal. Our office here in Jupiter, FL, is completely private and 1-on-1. There are no crowds, and you are with the practitioner every moment of your visit to help guide you and make you feel most comfortable. Here’s what a typical session looks like at Jupiter Spine and Performance:

1. Assessment: We first identify your pain points, areas of tightness, and overall goals.
2. Needling: Thin, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific trigger points. You may feel a twitch or mild cramping sensation. That’s just the muscle releasing.
3. Aftercare: Most people feel looser and lighter immediately, though mild soreness (like after a workout) is common for about 24 – 48 hours. We’ll provide recovery tips, like gentle movement, hydration, and heat.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, most patients describe dry needling as uncomfortable but tolerable.

• The insertion of the needle is usually felt as a quick pinch.
• The twitch response feels like a brief cramp or spasm.
• Afterward, most patients feel a noticeable release of tension.

Many people actually find dry needling less uncomfortable than a deep tissue massage!

Quick Snapshot: Dry Needling With vs. Without EMS

Here’s a quick way to think about the difference between standard dry needling and adding EMS (electrical stimulation) to the dry needling process:

• Standard Dry Needling (no EMS): This is the “classic” version. We use a thin needle to target a trigger point directly, usually creating a quick twitch response that helps the muscle release. It’s fast, very precise, and great for those “one specific knot” type of problems.
• Dry Needling With EMS: In this version, we attach the needles to a small electrical unit that sends gentle pulses through the muscle for several minutes. Instead of just a quick release, you get rhythmic, repeated contractions that help relax the muscle, improve blood flow, and calm down irritated nerves.

The main differences:

• Regular dry needling = quick, pinpoint reset.
• Dry needling with EMS = a longer, more sustained relaxation for stubborn or widespread pain.
• Without EMS = best for isolated knots or very targeted treatment.

Both are safe and effective when performed by trained providers. The “best” choice is the one that fits your body, your goals, and your day-to-day comfort. The provider will guide you as to which option is recommended for you.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to treatment. The number of sessions depends on your condition and your goals. Some people feel relief after just one treatment, while others benefit from a series of sessions combined with chiropractic care, exercise, and lifestyle strategies.

At Jupiter Spine and Performance, we personalize your treatment plan to make sure dry needling fits seamlessly with your overall recovery and performance goals.

Recovery Insights: What to Do After Dry Needling

After your session, you may feel:

• Immediate relief and increased range of motion
• Mild muscle soreness (like after a tough workout)
• Fatigue or relaxation

Best recovery tips:

• Stay hydrated to help flush out metabolites
• Use gentle movement to keep blood flowing
• Apply heat (not ice) to relax sore muscles
• Avoid really intense workouts for 24 hours if you’re feeling tender

Frequently Asked Questions: Answers From a Jupiter Chiropractor

1. Is dry needling safe?
   Yes, dry needling is safe when performed by a trained provider. It is both safe and effective. We will always use single-use, sterile needles!
2. How long does a session last?
   Most sessions last 15–30 minutes, depending on the areas being treated.
3. Can dry needling help with stress or sleep?
   While its primary purpose is musculoskeletal, many patients notice improved relaxation, reduced stress, and even better sleep quality.
4. Can I combine dry needling with chiropractic care?
   Absolutely! In fact, dry needling often enhances the effects of chiropractic adjustments by releasing tight muscles that may be limiting mobility.

Why Choose Jupiter Spine and Performance for Dry Needling?

As a holistic chiropractic here in Jupiter, FL, I take a 1-on-1, whole-body approach to care. Dry needling doesn’t have to be a standalone service. It may be part of a customized plan designed to help you move better, recover faster, and live pain-free.

Our goal is to make you feel comfortable, informed, and empowered every step of the way. Whether you’re an active adult, desk-worker, or someone who’s just been living with chronic tension, dry needling could be the missing link in your recovery journey.

Dry needling is more than just a “trend.” It’s a scientifically backed therapy that helps release muscle tension, reduce pain, and restore mobility. From headaches and back pain to sports injuries and chronic stiffness, it’s a versatile tool that could be exactly what your body needs.

If you’re curious about dry needling or wondering if it’s right for you, we’d love to talk with you! Get in touch today by phone at (561) 951-7454, by email at drAlyssa@jupiterspineandperformance.com, or book an appointment directly on our calender. At Jupiter Spine and Performance, we’re here to help you feel your best and keep moving forward.

Ready to Experience the Benefits of Dry Needling? Reach Out for Holistic Chiropractic Care in Jupiter

If persistent muscle tension, nagging pain, or sports-related injuries are slowing you down, dry needling may be the solution you’ve been looking for. When combined with chiropractic care, this innovative therapy can help release tight trigger points, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy movement patterns so you can get back to feeling your best.

At Jupiter Spine and Performance, we create treatment plans designed around your body, your goals, and your lifestyle. By blending dry needling with other evidence-based techniques—such as soft tissue therapy, targeted chiropractic adjustments, and advanced rehab strategies—we focus on lasting relief instead of short-term fixes.

Take the next step toward advanced pain relief today:

1. Make your health and comfort a priority. Contact us to schedule a daytime or after-hours chiropractic appointment.
2. Learn how a chiropractor in Jupiter, FL, experienced with dry needling can help relieve your pain naturally
3. Start your journey back to stronger, pain-free living with a care plan built just for you

Other Services We Provide in Jupiter, FL

Dry needling is an innovative therapy that helps release muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and speed up the body’s natural healing process. When paired with chiropractic care, it can provide lasting relief from chronic pain and injuries, helping patients regain mobility and return to the activities they enjoy most.

At my Jupiter chiropractic practice, I complement dry needling with a variety of other evidence-based therapies to ensure well-rounded care. Depending on your needs, we may incorporate shockwave therapy to stimulate soft tissue repair, flexion-distraction for gentle spinal decompression, or therapeutic ultrasound to promote deep tissue healing. I also provide cupping therapy to improve circulation and release muscle tension, while advanced soft tissue techniques such as the Graston Technique and Active Release Technique (ART) are used to break up adhesions and restore healthy movement patterns. For additional support, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) may be added to enhance recovery and muscle activation.

All of these services are designed to work together, giving you a holistic care plan that not only relieves pain but also improves long-term function and performance. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic discomfort, or seeking preventative care, these therapies help create a personalized approach to healing and wellness. To learn more, I invite you to visit our chiropractic blog, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and reach out when you’re ready to experience natural pain relief.

About the Author

Dr. Alyssa Garber is a chiropractic physician at Jupiter Spine and Performance, where she specializes in helping patients find natural, lasting relief from pain through a variety of evidence-based therapies. With advanced training in dry needling, as well as certifications in the Graston Technique and Active Release Technique (ART), Dr. Alyssa blends traditional chiropractic care with innovative treatments to address muscle tension, sports injuries, and chronic conditions.

A proud Jupiter native and former competitive athlete, she understands firsthand how pain and injury can affect performance, mobility, and overall quality of life. Today, she uses her expertise and passion for holistic health to create customized care plans that help her patients recover faster, move better, and return to the activities they love.