Dry Needling at Cray Physical Therapy (Braintree, Norwell & Weymouth)

Dry needling is a skilled, evidence-informed technique used by licensed physical therapists to treat muscle pain and dysfunction caused by myofascial trigger points (tight, sensitive “knots” within muscle tissue).

It involves inserting a very thin, sterile, solid needle into the affected muscle area through the skin. There is no medication or injection involved. The goal is to help reduce pain, improve movement, and restore normal muscle function.

At Cray Physical Therapy, dry needling is integrated into a personalized treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, goals, and movement assessment.

How Dry Needling Works

Muscle and soft tissue pain can develop from a variety of causes, including:

• Muscle overuse or strain
• Inflammation
• Nerve irritation
• Scar tissue or adhesions
• Reduced blood flow or circulation
• Movement imbalances or postural stress

Dry needling targets these dysfunctional areas directly. When the needle is placed into a trigger point, it can create a local response in the muscle that helps:

• Release tight or shortened muscle fibers
• Improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation
• Reduce inflammation and sensitivity
• Normalize neuromuscular function

Some patients also experience a temporary release of endorphins—your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals—which may help reduce pain perception.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Dry needling and acupuncture are often confused, but they are not the same.

• Dry Needling is based on modern Western medicine, including anatomy, physiology, neurology, and biomechanics. It focuses specifically on treating musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunction.
• Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and follows a different philosophical and diagnostic system.

Dry needling is performed by trained healthcare professionals such as licensed physical therapists, chiropractors, or physicians who have completed advanced certification in the technique.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Most patients tolerate dry needling very well.

The needle used is extremely thin and flexible, designed to gently pass through tissue rather than cut it. When a trigger point is stimulated, you may feel a brief sensation known as a “local twitch response.”

This can feel like:

• A quick cramp
• A brief muscle “jump”
• A dull ache or pressure

These sensations are typically short-lived and are often a sign that the targeted muscle is responding appropriately to treatment. Many patients report feeling looser and less painful afterward.