Dry Needling

Dry Needling Services in Salt Lake Valley

At Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care, we offer dry needling therapy to help patients in Salt Lake Valley, including Salt Lake City, South Jordan, West Jordan, Draper, Riverton, Sandy, and Herriman, find relief from acute and chronic pain, improve mobility, and accelerate rehabilitation. Our experienced practitioners use this highly effective technique to target specific muscles and trigger points, restoring normal muscle function and promoting overall wellness.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic procedure in which a thin, filament needle is inserted into the muscle tissue where pain or trigger points are located. These trigger points can cause discomfort, tightness, and restricted movement. The needle does not inject any solution; it is simply used to stimulate the muscle and disrupt the trigger point, which helps alleviate pain and promote healing. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the insertion, although a muscle twitch response—similar to a muscle cramp—may be felt when the needle reaches a sensitive area. This response helps deactivate the trigger point, restoring normal muscle length and function.

Dry needling is an ideal treatment for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and sports injuries, as well as for muscle tightness and imbalances that can lead to chronic discomfort.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling offers numerous benefits for both acute and chronic pain, as well as injury rehabilitation. By targeting specific muscle groups and trigger points, this treatment can:

• Relieve muscle pain and tension
• Improve range of motion and flexibility
• Speed up muscle recovery after injury
• Enhance posture and correct muscle imbalances
• Prevent future injuries

Also, dry needling can help address underlying issues caused by poor posture, lack of exercise, and sports injuries, providing long-term relief and better overall function.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

The dry needling technique involves using a very fine needle that passes through the skin with little discomfort. While the needle is not hollow, the insertion can cause sensations such as deep aching, pressure, or releasing. Some patients may experience soreness afterward, similar to the feeling after intense physical activity. This discomfort is short-term, and most people find that the benefits—such as relief from muscle tension and reduced pain—far outweigh the temporary sensation.

How Many Dry Needling Sessions Will I Need?

The number of dry needling sessions required varies depending on your condition and the severity of your symptoms. In your first session, we will focus on a few key muscles to give you a feel for the technique and minimize soreness. Typically, 2-4 sessions are needed to experience noticeable improvements in pain and muscle function. Treatments are usually spaced a few days apart, and each session builds on the previous one to provide long-term relief.
How Will I Feel After Dry Needling?

After dry needling therapy, you may feel soreness similar to the sensation experienced after a workout. This muscle fatigue typically lasts for a few hours to 1-2 days. We encourage light activity during this recovery period to minimize soreness. As the soreness subsides, you'll notice significant improvement in your muscle function, decreased pain, and a reduction in tightness. Over time, your chronic pain or injury will start to improve, allowing you to enjoy greater mobility and comfort.

Dry Needling Techniques & Focus Areas

Dry needling is different from acupuncture, although it uses similar tools. The focus of dry needling is on identifying and treating trigger points within the muscles, which can lead to pain and dysfunction. Our approach takes several factors into account, such as past injuries, posture, and muscle imbalances. We also consider your activity level and physical therapy progress to determine the best treatment areas.

Common conditions that benefit from dry needling include:

• Shoulder pain
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Foot pain
• Ankle pain
• Poor posture
• Spine misalignment
• Muscle imbalance
• Osteoarthritis
• Sports injuries

Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, car accident, or daily muscle strain, dry needling is a powerful tool to relieve pain, improve function, and help you get back to your best self.

Schedule Your Dry Needling Appointment Today

If you're ready to experience the benefits of dry needling, Dr. Luce is here to help. We proudly serve patients in Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas.

Call us today or book your appointment online to take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.