What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a specialized physical therapy technique that uses thin, sterile filiform needles to target myofascial trigger points — tight, irritable bands of muscle tissue that cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern Western medicine and musculoskeletal science.
At BeneFIT Physical Therapy, dry needling is performed by Dr. Brian Ireland PT, DPT, Cert DN — a certified dry needling practitioner with over 23 years of clinical experience serving patients in Bridgewater and Chester, NJ.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
When a thin needle is inserted into a trigger point, it produces a local twitch response in the muscle. This twitch response helps to release the tight band of tissue, restore normal muscle function, increase blood flow to the area, reduce inflammation, and interrupt the pain cycle. Many patients notice immediate improvement in pain and mobility following treatment, with continued improvement over the following 24 to 48 hours.
What Conditions Does Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is an effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including:
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
- Knee pain and IT band syndrome
- Hip pain and piriformis syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Headaches and migraines caused by muscle tension
- Sports injuries and overuse conditions
- Post-surgical scar tissue and muscle tightness
- Fibromyalgia and chronic muscle pain
Is Dry Needling Painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as a brief muscle cramp or ache at the trigger point site rather than a sharp pain. The needles used are extremely thin — much finer than a hypodermic needle — and most patients are surprised by how comfortable the treatment is. Any soreness following treatment typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
How is Dry Needling Different from Acupuncture?
While both treatments use thin needles, they are fundamentally different in their approach and purpose. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and targets energy meridians throughout the body. Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neuromuscular science, targeting specific trigger points and dysfunctional muscle tissue to relieve pain and restore movement. Dry needling is performed exclusively by licensed physical therapists with specialized post-graduate certification.
Cash Pay Pricing at BeneFIT Physical Therapy
Dry needling is not covered by most insurance plans and is offered as a cash pay service at BeneFIT Physical Therapy.
Add-On to Your Physical Therapy Session
If you’re already receiving physical therapy for another diagnosis at one of our clinics, dry needling can be added to your visit. This is a separate cash charge and is not billed to your insurance — a brief consent form outlining this additional fee is required before treatment begins.
Standalone Dry Needling Session
If you’re visiting BeneFIT specifically for dry needling and are not currently receiving physical therapy, standalone sessions are available. Pricing depends on session frequency and your specific needs — give us a call and we’ll walk you through the options.
Dry needling sessions can be submitted to your insurance as a superbill for possible reimbursement depending on your plan. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Is Dry Needling Available at Both Locations?
Yes — dry needling is available at both our Bridgewater and Chester, NJ locations. To schedule a dry needling session or to find out if it is right for your condition, contact us today.
- Bridgewater: 908-203-5200
- Chester: 908-879-5700