Dry needling
Dry Needling, Included in One-on-One Physical Therapy
When it fits your plan, your Doctor of Physical Therapy may use dry needling to ease muscle tension and pain, so you can move, strengthen, and get back to activity more comfortably. It’s performed during your visit—at home, at work, or in another private setting—with no separate fee.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (574) 686-7313 (South Bend, Michiana & Southwest Michigan).
Dry needling is available in South Bend & Michiana and Southwest Michigan. Private-pay physical therapy.
Dry needling
What Dry Needling Is—and What It Isn’t
Dry needling uses a thin, solid, single-use needle, with no medication, to treat tight, tender areas in muscle. It’s chosen from your physical therapy examination and used alongside exercise, hands-on care, and a home plan.
One Tool, Not the Whole Plan
Dry needling can ease muscle tension and pain so you can move and strengthen more comfortably. The lasting change comes from the rest of your plan.
Not Acupuncture
Dry needling is based on anatomy and your physical therapy exam, targeting the muscles tied to your symptoms. Acupuncture is a separate practice with a different foundation.
Always Your Choice
We explain what we recommend and why before we begin. Dry needling is done only with your consent, and you can say no at any visit.
Cupping, Also Included
Static and dynamic cupping is another hands-on option for tight, restricted tissue, used when clinically appropriate with no separate fee. It’s available in all three regions, including Naples. More about cupping →
Where it may help
Problems Dry Needling Is Often Part of Treating
Whether dry needling fits depends on what your exam shows. Many people do well without it.
Neck, Upper Back & Headaches
- Tight, sore neck and shoulder muscles
- Headaches that start in the neck
- Tension between the shoulder blades
- Jaw and chewing-muscle tension (see TMJ physical therapy)
Low Back & Hips
- Low back muscle tension and guarding
- Buttock and hip pain
- Muscle tightness that comes with sciatica-type pain
- See back & neck pain physical therapy
Shoulders & Arms
- Shoulder and rotator cuff–related muscle pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Forearm tightness from work or sport
Legs & Feet
- Hamstring, calf, and shin tightness
- Knee pain tied to tight thigh muscles
- Heel and arch pain with calf tightness
What to expect
How Dry Needling Fits Into a Visit
- It starts with your exam. Dry needling is considered only when your findings point to muscle-related pain or tension it may help.
- We explain it first. Where we would treat, why, what you may feel, and the risks. You decide whether to go ahead.
- During treatment. Most people feel a quick prick, then a deep ache or a brief muscle twitch. Needles stay in place for a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the technique.
- Afterward. Mild soreness for a day or two is common, and a small bruise is possible. We usually follow with movement or exercise and tell you what to expect.
- Sterile, single-use needles. Each needle is used once and disposed of safely.
Safety
Tell Us Before Treatment If Any of These Apply
Dry needling isn’t right for everyone. Serious complications are rare, and we review the risks with you first. Let your therapist know if you:
- Take a blood thinner or have a bleeding disorder
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have a skin infection or wound near the area
- Have lymphedema in the area
- Have a metal allergy
- Feel anxious about needles
- Have had a reaction to needling before
If dry needling isn’t a good fit, your plan uses other hands-on care and exercise instead.
Included in your visit
Performed Wherever Your Visit Takes Place
Dry needling is performed wherever your visit happens: at home, at your club, or at your office. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy brings everything needed, including a treatment table, needles, and taping supplies.
There is no separate fee. Dry needling is part of your visit whenever it is clinically appropriate.
Dry needling is performed only by a physical therapist with specific training in the technique.
“Working with Matt has been incredible! I have been in and out of physical therapy for my neck injury since 2016, and Matt is by far the best physical therapist I have worked with. Not only does Matt work with me on exercises to benefit my injury long-term, but he also specializes in many different areas of pain relief such as needling, cupping, etc. These allow me to complete my exercises and go through my week without any pain. I couldn’t recommend Matt enough!”
Payment
Private Pay, Explained Up Front
ECPT is a private-pay practice, and payment is due at the time of service. We'll go over cost with you before your first visit, so there are no surprises.
Commercial Insurance
We provide an itemized invoice (often called a superbill) for patients with commercial insurance who wish to seek reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
Medicare
ECPT is a private-pay practice and does not bill Medicare.
HSA and FSA
HSA and FSA cards can't be used for ECPT visits.
Questions
Questions About Dry Needling
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. Both use thin needles, but dry needling is a physical therapy technique based on anatomy and your exam, aimed at the muscles tied to your symptoms. Acupuncture is a separate practice.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel a quick prick, then a deep ache or a brief twitch in the muscle. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common. We check in with you throughout and can stop at any time.
Is there an extra charge for dry needling?
No. When it’s clinically appropriate, dry needling is part of your visit, with no separate fee.
Do I have to have dry needling?
No. It’s always your choice. If you’d rather not, your plan uses other hands-on care and exercise.
Is dry needling available in Naples?
Not yet. Dry needling is currently offered in South Bend & Michiana and Southwest Michigan. In-home physical therapy is available in Naples & Southwest Florida.
How many sessions will I need?
There’s no set number. If dry needling is helping, it may be part of several visits. If it isn’t, we stop and use other approaches.
How long are visits?
Your first visit is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. After that, visits run 45, 60, or 90 minutes, depending on your plan, goals, and availability.
Do I need a referral or prescription?
In many cases, you can begin physical therapy without a physician referral. However, depending on your medical history, surgery, diagnosis, insurance situation, or state-specific requirements, we may recommend or require coordination with your physician.
Do you bill insurance or Medicare?
ECPT is a private-pay practice and does not bill Medicare. For patients with commercial insurance, we provide an itemized invoice (often called a superbill) to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your plan.
Where do visits take place?
Your therapist comes to you—your home, office, private gym, senior living residence, or another appropriate private space—in South Bend & Michiana, Southwest Michigan, and Naples & Southwest Florida.
Where we provide this care
Wondering Whether Dry Needling Fits Your Plan?
Tell us what you’re feeling and where you’re located. Dry needling is currently available in South Bend & Michiana and Southwest Michigan.
South Bend & Michiana
South Bend, Granger, Mishawaka, Notre Dame, Osceola, Elkhart, and nearby communities.
Call or text(574) 686-7313In-home PT in South Bend →Southwest Michigan
Niles, Edwardsburg, Cassopolis, and nearby communities.
Call or text(574) 686-7313In-home PT in Southwest Michigan →Naples & Southwest Florida
Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and nearby communities. Dry needling isn’t offered here yet; in-home physical therapy is.
Call or text(239) 399-5023In-home PT in Naples →Prefer to write? Use the form below, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy will personally follow up within 24 hours.
Start with a conversation.
This brief request helps us understand your needs before connecting. We’ll review your goals, confirm your location, and follow up to discuss next steps for private, in-home care.
Prefer to speak directly?
Call or text us at (574) 686-7313 for South Bend / Michiana or (239) 399-5023 for Naples / Southwest Florida.