Dry Needling at Doctors of Physical Therapy: Accelerate Healing, Relieve Pain, Restore Function

At Doctors of Physical Therapy here in Scottsdale, AZ, we understand how frustrating it can be when pain or tightness holds you back from feeling and performing your best. That’s why we offer Dry Needling—a proven, evidence-based therapy that targets and releases muscle “knots” and contracted tissue to reduce pain, restore mobility, and optimize movement.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic tension, or simply looking to move better, we’re here to help you heal, recover, and get back to the activities you love.

Dry Needling is a targeted therapy that uses thin, solid needles to stimulate muscle trigger points—also known as muscle “knots”—to relieve pain and improve function. These trigger points can form due to:

• Muscle overuse
• Muscle underuse
• Poor posture
• Stress
• Injury

It’s important to note that the muscle isn’t literally “knotted” like a shoelace. Instead, it becomes stuck in a shortened position, restricting blood flow to the area. This causes pain-causing chemicals to build up in the surrounding tissue and prevents the muscle from contracting or lengthening properly.

Our skilled physical therapists at DPT utilize advanced techniques to insert the needles into specific points on the muscle, helping to break the pain cycle, release tightness, and improve blood flow. This process accelerates your body’s natural healing mechanisms, helping you recover faster and more effectively.

What to Expect During Your Dry Needling Session

Your session will typically last 15-30 minutes, depending on your specific needs and treatment goals. First, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition, take a system-wide look at your movement, and then pinpoint the areas that require treatment. Once the targeted muscles are identified, the fine needles are inserted into specific trigger points to release tension and promote healing.

You may feel a slight “twitch” during the procedure as the tissue releases, but most people find it to be well-tolerated. After your session, your muscles might feel sore—similar to the feeling after a tough workout—but you can return to your normal activities with little to no downtime. Many patients experience immediate relief, with continued improvements in the days that follow.

Dry Needling + Movement Therapy: The Ultimate Combo for Results

Dry needling is a powerful tool that can deliver impressive results, often providing near-instant relief from pain and muscle tension. However, it’s important to understand that dry needling alone isn’t a complete solution. To ensure lasting results and prevent the issue from coming back, we focus on addressing the root cause of your discomfort.

At DPT, we integrate dry needling with proven techniques like joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, corrective exercises, and movement retraining. This comprehensive approach not only relieves pain but also restores function, improves mobility, and helps you move with confidence—so you can enjoy long-term relief and optimal results.