Dry Needling
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a treatment technique that uses thin, sterile needles to target trigger points — those tight, irritable knots inside a muscle that cause local pain or refer pain to other areas of the body. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it creates a local twitch response that releases the muscle, reduces pain, and restores normal movement.
Despite using the same type of needle, dry needling is not acupuncture. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and targets energy pathways. Dry needling is based on western medicine, anatomy, and neuroscience — targeting specific muscles and soft tissue to reduce pain and improve function.
What does dry needling treat?
Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck pain and upper trap tightness
Low back pain and glute tightness
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
Hip flexor and IT band tightness
Knee pain and patellar tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
Headaches and jaw tension
Post-surgical scar tissue and restricted movement
Chronic muscle tightness in athletes and active adults
What to expect during a session
Dry needling at Resilience is always integrated into your broader physical therapy session — it's one tool in a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone procedure. Dr. Ryan will assess your movement and identify the specific muscles contributing to your pain or restriction before any needling begins.
During treatment you may feel a mild aching sensation or a brief muscle twitch as the needle contacts the trigger point. That twitch response is a good sign — it means the muscle is releasing. Most patients feel significant relief within 24 to 48 hours, though some experience temporary soreness similar to a post-workout feeling in the hours after treatment.
Sessions are one-on-one, one full hour, and always with the same provider. All dry needling at Resilience PT & Performance is performed by Dr. Ryan Holewinski, PT, DPT. Dr. Ryan is a certified and trained Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced training in trigger point dry needling.
Ready to get started?
If you've been dealing with muscle pain, chronic tightness, or a stubborn injury in the Fox Valley — Menasha, Appleton, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly or surrounding areas — Resilience PT & Performance is ready to help. Dry needling combined with one-on-one physical therapy is one of the most effective approaches available for getting out of pain and back to doing what you love. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.