What is Dry Needling?

     Dry needling involves gently inserting a very thin, sterile needle into specific muscles to influence the way your nervous system interacts with your body. This isn’t acupuncture—we don’t follow meridians or energy channels. Instead, we use dry needling to target areas where your movement system may be “stuck” or not responding well.

     These stuck areas often happen when your brain and body aren't on the same page. Maybe a muscle is overworking, under-recruiting, or sending the wrong signals. Dry needling helps by stimulating the muscle spindle—the sensory part of your muscle that tells your brain how the muscle is functioning.

By targeting these sensors, dry needling can help:

• “Reset” faulty signals between your brain and muscles

• Improve coordination and control

• Decrease protective tension or guarding

• Reduce pain by calming the nervous system

• Support more efficient, pain-free movement

Why Add Electrical Stimulation?

     Sometimes we enhance the treatment by attaching an electrical current to the needles—called electrical stimulation (or e-stim). This adds another layer of communication between your brain and body, in the same "language" of the nervous system.

Electrical stimulation:

• Reinforces proper muscle activation patterns

• Provides rhythmic input to help “retrain” movement

• Encourages deeper relaxation in overactive muscles

• Promotes longer-lasting changes in muscle control

• Can reduce pain by changing how the nervous system processes input

Many people find this part of treatment surprisingly soothing.

How Does This Help Me Move Better?

     When a muscle isn’t working well—whether it’s too tense, too weak, or just not coordinating—it often reflects a miscommunication within your nervous system. Dry needling with electrical stimulation helps restore this communication.

Think of it as restarting a frozen computer or recalibrating a GPS. You’re not just treating a symptom—you’re giving your brain the right input so it can send the right output.

This leads to:

• Better movement

• Less pain

• Greater strength and efficiency

• A return to activity with more control and confidence

What to Expect During Your Session

At your session, your physical therapist will:

1. Assess your movement and function to identify where your system may be misfiring

2. Explain the process and ensure you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way

3. Apply the needling and, if appropriate, electrical stimulation

4. Follow it up with movement retraining to help your body lock in the gains

Most people feel relief quickly. Some soreness for a day or two is normal, but most report they feel looser, stronger, or more connected right away.

Is It Safe?

     Yes. Dry needling is a safe and research-supported treatment when performed by a licensed, trained clinician. Gwynne has advanced training and certification through the Institute of Clinical Excellence, which emphasizes clinical reasoning, safety, and a modern understanding of how pain and movement work in the body.

We always make sure this approach is appropriate for you, and we tailor it to your unique needs and goals.

Ready to Feel More Connected to Your Body?

     Reach out today to schedule your appointment or learn more—we’d love to help you feel strong, capable, and in control of your movement again.