Dry Needling in Quincy, MAdry needling

Quincy Physical Therapy offers advanced dry needling as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach. Dry needling uses thin, sterile filament needles to target muscle trigger points and areas of neuromuscular dysfunction with the goal of reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring normal muscle function.

Dry needling is not used as a standalone treatment, but rather integrated into individualized physical therapy programs that may include manual therapy, strength training, movement retraining, and patient education.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a specialized technique used by trained physical therapists to address myofascial trigger points — sensitive areas within muscle tissue that may contribute to pain, stiffness, or altered movement patterns.

Research suggests that dry needling can help:

  • Reduce myofascial pain and muscle tension

  • Improve short-term pain levels and movement tolerance

  • Enhance muscle activation and neuromuscular control

Current evidence supports dry needling as an effective tool for reducing pain associated with trigger points, particularly when combined with exercise-based rehabilitation and other therapeutic interventions.

How Dry Needling Works

During treatment, a thin needle is inserted into specific muscle tissue to stimulate a localized response. One possible response is a brief involuntary contraction known as a “local twitch response,” which may help reduce muscle tension and improve function.

The needles used are extremely fine, and many patients report minimal discomfort during insertion. When sensitive trigger points are present, patients may experience a brief cramping or familiar sensation, which can provide useful clinical feedback and help guide treatment.

Emerging research suggests that dry needling may influence both local muscle tissue and broader pain-processing mechanisms within the nervous system.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Dry Needling

Dry needling may be appropriate for a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, including:

  • Headaches and chronic tension headaches

  • Low back pain and spine-related muscle tension

  • Sciatica and nerve-related pain

  • Osteoarthritis-related muscle dysfunction

  • Tennis elbow

  • Muscle spasms and trigger points

  • Fibromyalgia (as part of a broader treatment plan)

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Hip, knee, and ankle pain

  • Sports injuries

Safety and What to Expect

Dry needling is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure when performed by trained clinicians. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness, minor bruising, or fatigue following treatment. Serious complications are rare.

Your therapist will determine whether dry needling is appropriate based on your medical history, goals, and clinical presentation.

Our Approach

At Quincy Physical Therapy, dry needling is used strategically as part of a larger rehabilitation plan. Research indicates that combining dry needling with exercise and active rehabilitation strategies may produce better outcomes than passive treatment alone.

Our goal is not just short-term symptom relief but long-term improvements in strength, movement quality, and resilience.

If you would like to learn more about dry needling before coming into Quincy Physical Therapy, give us a call at 617-481-2000 and ask to speak to a therapist regarding your symptoms or condition. You can also schedule a discovery session to learn more in person as well without committing to starting therapy.

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