Dry Needling Therapy

Targeted Pain Relief at Multiple Convenient Locations
ESSMC offers expert dry needling therapy to help reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve function. Our physical therapists use precise, evidence-based techniques to treat muscle tightness, nerve-related pain, and movement dysfunction.
Dry needling services are available at the following ESSMC locations:

• North Huntingdon Office
• Murrysville Office
• Penn Hills Office
• Penn Township Office
• Plum Office
• Greensburg Office
• Kiski Office

Dry needling is a skilled physical therapy technique that uses a very thin, sterile needle to target painful or restricted soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules.
Your ESSMC physical therapist determines needle placement based on a thorough evaluation of your specific condition. Needle length varies depending on the treatment area, and patient safety is always the top priority.

Conditions Treated With Dry Needling

Dry needling is commonly used to treat:

• Neck and back pain
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
• Hip, knee, and ankle pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Sports injuries and muscle strains
• Chronic muscle tightness and trigger points
• Chronic pain

Dry needling is often combined with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for faster and longer-lasting results.

Dry needling helps calm the nervous system and improve tissue mobility, allowing your body to move and heal more efficiently.
Patients commonly experience:

• Reduced pain and muscle tension
• Improved blood flow
• Increased range of motion
• Improved muscle activation and strength
• Better overall movement and function

All ESSMC therapists who perform dry needling are trained through Integrative Dry Needling (IDN), one of the most comprehensive dry needling certification programs available.
IDN-trained clinicians stand apart because they:

• Use advanced assessment techniques to evaluate nervous system involvement
• Treat both symptoms and the source of the problem
• Take a whole-body approach to pain and movement dysfunction

At ESSMC, dry needling is never a one-size-fits-all treatment.

Dry needling is typically well tolerated. Most patients report minimal discomfort.
You may experience:

• A brief muscle twitch
• A deep, dull ache that fades quickly

These responses are normal and often indicate the muscle is releasing tension.

You’re not alone. We explain the process step by step and use techniques designed to minimize discomfort. Dry needling does not have to be painful, and your comfort always comes first.

Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Eastern medicine principles such as meridians and qi.
Dry needling is based on Western medicine and uses anatomy, neurology, and physiology to treat pain, limited mobility, weakness, and movement dysfunction.
Same needle. Different science.