Dry Needling
Targeted trigger point therapy using fine needles to release muscular tension, reduce pain, and restore normal function.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based therapeutic technique used to treat muscular pain, spasms, and dysfunction. At Mayfield Advanced Chiropractic, our licensed and certified providers use thin, solid filament needles — similar in size to acupuncture needles — to penetrate the skin and target myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle that can cause local pain, referred pain, and restricted range of motion.
Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and follows meridian pathways, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can produce a local twitch response — a brief, involuntary contraction of the muscle fiber. This twitch response is therapeutic: it releases the contracted muscle, improves local blood flow, reduces chemical irritants in the tissue, and activates the body's natural pain-modulating mechanisms. Many patients report immediate improvement in pain levels and range of motion following a session.
Our providers hold advanced certification in dry needling and integrate it strategically within broader chiropractic and rehabilitative treatment plans. Dry needling is particularly effective when combined with chiropractic adjustment and rehabilitation exercises, as it addresses the soft tissue component of musculoskeletal dysfunction while adjustments restore joint alignment. Whether you are dealing with chronic tension headaches, low back pain, shoulder impingement, IT band syndrome, or any condition involving muscular trigger points, dry needling may be an effective component of your care plan. We offer dry needling at our Alexandria location for patients across Central Louisiana.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Rapid pain relief — many patients notice improvement during or immediately after treatment
Decreased muscular spasms and tension without medication
Improved range of motion and flexibility in treated areas
Enhanced blood flow and accelerated tissue healing at trigger point sites
Effective complement to chiropractic adjustment and rehabilitation exercises
Performed by licensed, certified providers with advanced training
Conditions We Address
Our team is experienced in treating a wide range of conditions with dry needling
What to Expect
Your path through dry needling, step by step
Assessment & Palpation
Your provider performs a thorough musculoskeletal assessment, palpating muscles to identify taut bands and active trigger points that correlate with your symptoms.
Targeted Needling
Thin, sterile, single-use filament needles are inserted into the identified trigger points. You may feel a brief twitch response — this is a positive sign that the trigger point has been released.
Post-Treatment Therapy
Following needling, we may apply heat, gentle stretching, or electrical stimulation to the treated area to maximize the therapeutic benefit and reduce post-treatment soreness.
Integration with Care Plan
Dry needling results are enhanced when combined with chiropractic adjustments and targeted rehab exercises. Your provider will outline the recommended frequency and integration with your overall treatment plan.
Assessment & Palpation
Your provider performs a thorough musculoskeletal assessment, palpating muscles to identify taut bands and active trigger points that correlate with your symptoms.
Targeted Needling
Thin, sterile, single-use filament needles are inserted into the identified trigger points. You may feel a brief twitch response — this is a positive sign that the trigger point has been released.
Post-Treatment Therapy
Following needling, we may apply heat, gentle stretching, or electrical stimulation to the treated area to maximize the therapeutic benefit and reduce post-treatment soreness.
Integration with Care Plan
Dry needling results are enhanced when combined with chiropractic adjustments and targeted rehab exercises. Your provider will outline the recommended frequency and integration with your overall treatment plan.
Common Questions
Dry Needling FAQ
Most patients describe the sensation as a deep ache or brief cramping when the needle contacts a trigger point. The twitch response can feel unusual but is generally not painful. Any post-treatment soreness is similar to what you might feel after a deep tissue massage and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
While both use thin needles, they are fundamentally different therapies. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and targets meridian points to balance energy flow. Dry needling is based on Western anatomical science and targets specific myofascial trigger points to release muscle tension and reduce pain. Our providers are trained in musculoskeletal anatomy and trigger point physiology.
Many patients experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions. Chronic conditions with multiple active trigger points may benefit from a series of treatments. Your provider will recommend a treatment frequency based on your specific condition and response to the initial session.
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