Trigger Point Dry Needling | Barrington IL | Achieve PT
Treatment Techniques / Trigger Point Dry Needling
Technique 01 · Manual Therapy

Trigger Point
Dry Needling

Myofascial Release · Muscle Tension · Referred Pain

A monofilament needle targets myofascial trigger points to create a chemical change within the muscle — releasing tension, reducing referred pain, and restoring movement. Always used as part of a complete individualized plan.

All Techniques

What It Is

Dry needling uses a thin monofilament needle to create a chemical change within muscle tissue — encouraging activation or relaxation of a muscle to reduce pain and movement restriction. The needle targets myofascial trigger points: tight, irritable spots within muscle that cause local pain or refer pain to other areas.

Dry needling is based on modern musculoskeletal anatomy and neuroscience. It is not acupuncture — it does not follow meridian pathways or traditional Chinese medicine principles. It addresses the mechanical and neurological drivers of muscle pain directly.

Common Conditions Treated

  • Muscle knots & trigger pointsTight, tender spots in muscle that ache at rest or radiate pain to other areas when pressed. Common in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and hips.
  • Restricted range of motionLimited movement in the neck, shoulders, hips, or back that does not improve with stretching alone — often driven by overactive or shortened muscles.
  • Referred pain patternsPain that travels from one area to another, such as neck tension causing headaches or hip tightness causing knee pain, driven by trigger points at the source.
  • Overuse & repetitive strain injuriesTennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and chronic neck and shoulder tension from prolonged desk work or repeated movements.
  • Tension-type and cervicogenic headachesHeadaches driven by trigger points in the neck, suboccipital, and upper trapezius muscles.
  • Post-surgical muscle guardingProtective muscle tightness following surgery that limits range of motion and delays rehabilitation progress.

What to Expect During Treatment

During the session You may feel a quick pinprick as the needle is inserted, followed by a local twitch response — a brief, involuntary muscle contraction that feels like a deep cramp or tightening. This twitch response is a positive sign that the trigger point has been engaged. The needle rests in the muscle for 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the area being treated.
After the session Some post-treatment soreness, similar to the feeling after an intense workout, is normal and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Normal light movement is encouraged and beneficial — avoid heavy loading or significantly increasing your training intensity in the 24 hours following treatment. Heat application and hydration support tissue recovery.
Good to know: Dry needling is never used as a standalone treatment at Achieve PT. Every session pairs needling with movement, mobility work, and strengthening so that results last and the underlying cause is addressed. Factors like sleep, stress, workload, and posture also play a role — we address those as part of your overall plan.

Goals & Outcomes

Every dry needling session is guided by clear, functional goals — not just temporary symptom relief.

  • Reduce muscle tension and pain
  • Improve range of motion
  • Move more comfortably in daily activities and exercise
  • Make it easier to progress with strengthening and rehab

Our Approach

Dry needling is one tool within a bigger plan. Each session follows a consistent process:

  1. ScreeningWe confirm dry needling is safe and appropriate for you, reviewing health conditions, medications, and any contraindications before proceeding.
  2. Clear explanationWe explain exactly what we are treating and why — so you know what to expect before the needle is placed.
  3. Technique matched to youNeedling technique is based on your specific symptoms and tolerance, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
  4. Follow-up movement & strengtheningAfter needling, we follow up with targeted movement and exercise to reinforce the changes made in the tissue and help results stick.
  5. Aftercare guidanceYou'll leave with clear guidance on hydration, heat use, what a normal versus abnormal response looks like, and how to approach activity in the 24 hours after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Both techniques use thin needles, but they are based on entirely different principles. Dry needling is rooted in modern musculoskeletal anatomy and targets myofascial trigger points to reduce muscle pain and improve movement. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and follows meridian-based treatment pathways.

You may feel a quick pinprick on insertion and a brief deep muscle twitch when the trigger point is engaged. The twitch can feel like a cramp or tightening — it resolves in seconds. Post-treatment soreness, similar to delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise, is common for 24–48 hours.

Dry needling can benefit people with muscle tension, trigger points, referred pain, and movement restriction. Dr. Julie Roy screens every patient for health conditions, medications, and other factors before proceeding — including blood thinners, needle phobia, immune conditions, and pregnancy considerations.

Many people notice meaningful improvement within two to four sessions when combined with exercise and movement work. The number of sessions depends on the condition, how long it has been present, and how your body responds.

Yes. Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches are frequently driven by trigger points in the neck, suboccipital, and upper shoulder muscles. Dry needling can reduce headache frequency and intensity when used alongside postural retraining and strengthening. TMJ-related jaw pain often involves trigger points in the masseter and pterygoid muscles that also respond well to dry needling.

Normal light movement is encouraged — gentle activity is beneficial and helps the tissue recover. Apply heat to the treated area to promote blood flow. Stay hydrated. Avoid heavy loading or significantly increasing your training intensity in the 24 hours after treatment. Follow any specific guidance given during your session.