Dry Needling

Dry Needling is a highly effective therapeutic technique used to reduce muscle pain, release tension, and restore proper movement. By inserting thin, sterile needles into trigger points—tight, irritable spots within muscles—dry needling helps reset dysfunctional tissue, improve circulation, and accelerate the healing process.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is grounded in modern anatomy, physiology, and pain science.

How Dry Needling Works

When a muscle is injured—especially in an accident—it can tighten, shorten, and develop painful knots called trigger points. These trigger points restrict movement and can refer pain to other areas of the body.

Dry needling targets these areas to:

• Release deep muscle tension
• Improve blood flow and oxygenation
• Reduce inflammation
• Interrupt pain signals
• Restore normal muscle function

Patients often experience immediate or rapid relief in mobility and pain levels.

Why Dry Needling Is Important After an Accident

Accidents can cause significant soft tissue injury, even when symptoms aren’t felt right away. Whiplash, impact trauma, and sudden force lead to:

• Muscle spasms
• Tightness and guarding
• Headaches
• Limited range of motion
• Nerve irritation
• Chronic trigger points if untreated

Dry needling helps break this cycle.

Benefits of Dry Needling

1. Reduces Pain Quickly

By releasing tight muscle bands and calming irritated nerves, dry needling can provide fast relief from:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Shoulder tension
• Headaches and migraines
• Hip and leg pain

2. Restores Mobility

After an accident, muscles often seize up to protect the injured area. Dry needling relaxes these muscles, allowing you to move more freely and comfortably.

3. Speeds Up Recovery

Improved blood flow and reduced muscle tension help the body heal more efficiently. This helps prevent long-term stiffness and chronic pain.

4. Improves the Effectiveness of Other Treatments

Dry needling pairs well with:

• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Graston / soft tissue therapy
• Therapeutic exercise
• Stretching and mobility work

It relaxes tight areas so other therapies work more effectively.

What to Expect

• Very thin needles are inserted into trigger points or tight muscles
• You may feel a quick twitch or deep ache—this is normal and therapeutic
• Soreness for 24–48 hours is common
• Most patients feel looser, lighter, and more mobile afterward

Who Can Benefit

Dry needling is ideal for those recovering from:

• Auto accidents
• Whiplash injuries
• Falls
• Sports or work-related injuries
• Chronic muscle tension

If you have questions about dry needling or would like to learn more about chiropractic care at Slone Healthcare Clinics in Norfolk or Richmond, contact our team today to schedule a consultation.

Norfolk Location

(757) 623-7776

Richmond Location

(804) 565-9551