Dry Needling in River North, Chicago

Dry needling (trigger point dry needling) is a skilled physical therapy technique used to treat myofascial trigger points, the tight, painful "knots" within a muscle. Using a very fine, sterile filament needle, your physical therapist targets the affected muscle tissue to release tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility and function.

What Dry Needling Can Help With

• Neck and shoulder tension
• Low back pain
• Tension headaches
• Hip and IT band tightness
• Tennis and golfer's elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Running and sports-related muscle strains

Dry needling is usually one part of your plan of care, combined with hands-on treatment and exercise during your one-hour, one-on-one session.

Advanced Training You Can Trust

Dry needling requires advanced post-graduate education, specialized certification, and dedicated equipment. Our physical therapists have completed extensive training through Myopain Seminars, a nationally recognized leader in dry needling education, to ensure safe, effective, and evidence-based care.

Dry Needling Pricing

Dry needling is a specialized service and is not covered by insurance, so it is offered at an additional cost:

These fees reflect the additional training, certifications, and clinical resources required to provide this service at the highest standard of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dry needling hurt?

Most people feel little to nothing as the needle goes in. When it reaches a trigger point, you may feel a brief twitch or deep ache, which is normal. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No. Both use thin needles, but dry needling is based on muscle anatomy and targets trigger points to treat pain and movement problems. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Do I need a referral?

No. Illinois is a direct access state, so you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral.

Is dry needling right for me?

Your physical therapist will talk through whether it's a good fit for your condition and goals before using it.