Dry Needling Fort Wayne, IN

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a treatment method used by our licensed Fort Wayne physical therapists as a way to relieve pain. When performing needling, our physical therapist will insert a sterile acupuncture needle through the skin, into the underlying tendons, ligaments, or muscles that have been affected, in order to relieve pain, decrease muscle tension, improve blood flow, decrease nerve sensitivity, and improve mobility.

If you are in Fort Wayne, IN dealing with one of these conditions and you’re looking for relief, or if you’d like to gain more information on how needling could benefit you, contact ProTailored Physical Therapy today!

Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?

While it is a common misconception, needling is not acupuncture. It is based on a modern scientific study of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. While there are some similarities, needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research. It provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal, ultimately reducing pain in the process.

It is a safe and effective method of treatment performed by a licensed physical therapist that works to reduce pain and muscle tension, while simultaneously improving mobility. It has been proven to treat numerous musculoskeletal issues, including acute and chronic injuries, overuse injuries, neck pain, headaches, back pain, sciatica, muscle spasms, muscle strains, tendinitis, knee pain, hip pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and more.

Is dry needling painful?

Most of our patients report feeling little to no discomfort when undergoing dry needling treatments. Our highly-trained physical therapists know how to make the process as painless as possible; however, some patients may still experience a “twitch response” with the insertion of the needle. This is comparable to a quick muscle cramp or ache. The 24-48 hours following a dry needling treatment may also result in muscle soreness, which should go away on its own. Sore muscles can be treated at home by applying ice and/or heat packs and drinking plenty of fluids.

Will dry needling benefit me?

Dry Needling Fort Wayne, IN

There are a large variety of musculoskeletal issues that can be treated with dry needling. When paired with our traditional exercise-based physical therapy treatments and advanced manual therapy techniques, we have found that the vast majority of our patients achieved the pain-free goals they were aiming towards.

After conducting a comprehensive evaluation to assess the nature of your condition, our Fort Wayne physical therapist will let you know if dry needling is the best course of treatment for you. We have used dry needling to treat several diverse conditions, from chronic pain sufferers to athletes experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness.

Dry needling at ProTailored Physical Therapy can be really beneficial for people suffering with (but not limited to):

After conducting a comprehensive evaluation to assess the nature of your condition, our Fort Wayne physical therapist will let you know if dry needling is the best course of treatment for you. We have used dry needling to treat several diverse conditions, from chronic pain sufferers to athletes experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness.

Dry needling at ProTailored Physical Therapy can be really beneficial for people suffering with (but not limited to):

  • Back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Rib pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Elbow pain
  • Tennis elbow

  • Hand pain
  • Thumb pain
  • Hip pain
  • Bursitis
  • Knee pain
  • Calf pain
  • Ankle pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • A lot of other conditions!

Needling can speed up recovery time and allow you to return to your daily life as quickly as possible. If you are interested in our Fort Wayne dry needling services, don’t hesitate to contact ProTailored Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment at our Fort Wayne physical therapy office at 260-739-0300. We’ll get you started on the path toward recovery!

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a small area of shortened or tight muscular fibers located within a muscle.

Why do I have trigger points?

Trigger points can develop secondary to trauma or overuse.
Fun fact: The upper trapezius (shoulder musculature) commonly holds many trigger points as people commonly tense the shoulders with stress/anxiety.

What does dry needling feel like?

The needles utilized for dry needling are extremely fine – patients usually experience no to minimal pain with insertion of the needle. When needling trigger points, muscle contraction may occur involuntarily – most easily described as a muscle cramp.

What will I feel like after I’ve been dry needled?

It is common for the area that has been needled to feel a little heavy or full right after dry needling. This is because the process of dry needling increases blood flow to the area to promote healing. Some muscle tenderness is common the day after dry needling – and in days following that, patients often report a large reduction in pain and stiffness.

What needles are used for dry needling?

Unlike needles used to administer medication, the needles utilized during dry needling are solid and extremely fine.

Where all can dry needling be performed?

Dry needling can be performed on any skeletal muscle tissue.
Fun fact: At ProTailored Physical Therapy, we commonly dry needle the suboccipital musculature (muscles below the base of the skull). This is done to relieve tension throughout the musculature that is often responsible for headaches and neck pain. We have great success with this!

Are you interested in dry needling?

There is a limited number of spots available per class. Enroll now before classes are sold out!

Dates of available classes are listed below.


May 20th – May 22nd, 2022


October 28th-Oct 30th, 2022


If you have any questions, please reach out to jon@protailored.com or give ProTailored Physical Therapy a call today at (260) 739-0300! We hope to see you!

Visit our four clinic locations in North Fort Wayne, Northwest Fort Wayne, Southwest Fort Wayne, and Central Fort Wayne today!