Dry needling
A thin needle placed in a tight band of muscle by a physical therapist, where state law allows and only if you want it.
Dry needling is one tool a therapist may use during a visit, after an exam, when it fits your plan and you agree. It is never required. Our training: both of our therapists completed a postgraduate dry needling course before using it with patients, and we follow Colorado law on what a physical therapist may do.
This care is for you if
You want to know what dry needling is before you decide
Your therapist thinks it could fit your plan, and you agree
You are comfortable with needles, or willing to talk about them
A visit
What a visit looks like
About an hour for a first visit, with one physical therapist.
Talk
We ask about your health history, medicines and anything that makes needles a poor fit for you.
Examine
We find the tight bands in muscle that match your complaint, and we show you where.
Consent
We explain what it is, what you may feel, the risks and the alternatives. You can say no at any point.
Needles, then movement
A few needles in muscle, then movement and exercise, and advice for the rest of the day.
What we do
Named plainly, with no promise of a result.
We explain first
What it is, what you may feel, the risks and the other choices. Nothing starts until you agree.
Single-use, sterile needles
Each needle is used once and then discarded.
Only where we agreed
A small number of places in muscle, agreed with you beforehand, and checked as we go.
Good to know
What decides how many visits
Your exam, your goals and how you respond. Your therapist tells you what they expect, and revisits it as you go. Results vary.
How it is paid for
You pay for each visit yourself, and we give you a written estimate before your first visit.
How fees workWhen to see a doctor first
If you have new weakness or numbness, a fever with a stiff neck, or pain after a fall or an injury, see a physician first. For anything sudden and severe, call 911.
Questions about this care
Does it hurt?
You may feel a small prick as the needle goes in, and a dull ache or a quick twitch in the muscle. Soreness afterward is common. Tell us and we adjust or stop.
Are there risks?
Common effects are soreness, a small bruise and tiredness. Rare, serious risks exist, and your therapist explains them before you decide. Tell your therapist if you take blood thinners, have a pacemaker or other implanted device, are pregnant, or have a bleeding or clotting disorder.
Is dry needling allowed for physical therapists?
Where state law allows it, physical therapists may use it after specific training. Rules differ from state to state and can change, so ask us what applies to our practice.
Start with a conversation
A free 15-minute phone call is a chance to ask about your situation and what a visit involves. It is not a visit.