What is dry needling, and is it available in Carmel, Indiana?
Dry needling is a technique where a licensed physical therapist inserts thin, solid monofilament needles directly into trigger points — tight, irritable knots in muscle tissue — to release tension, reduce pain, and restore normal movement. It is called “dry” because no medication or fluid is injected; the needle itself is the treatment.
Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and works along energy meridians. Dry needling is a Western, evidence-based clinical technique grounded in musculoskeletal anatomy and neuroscience.
At our Carmel practice, dry needling is offered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan — not as a standalone procedure. It is most effective when combined with manual therapy and a targeted exercise program.
What conditions does dry needling treat?
Dry needling is particularly effective for conditions involving muscle tightness, trigger points, and referred pain patterns. Common conditions we treat with dry needling at our Carmel clinic include:
- Neck pain and upper trap tightness — especially in people who work at a desk
- Low back pain and SI joint pain
- Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
- Shoulder pain — rotator cuff issues and impingement
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- IT band syndrome and runner’s knee
- Plantar fasciitis and calf tightness
- Tension headaches and migraines — triggered by suboccipital and upper cervical trigger points
- Hip flexor and glute tightness in runners and cyclists
- Chronic muscle pain that hasn’t responded to stretching alone
If you’ve been told you have trigger points, or if massage therapy and stretching have only given you temporary relief, dry needling may be the missing piece.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients feel a local twitch response — a brief, involuntary muscle contraction — when the needle hits a trigger point. This can feel like a quick cramp or deep ache that lasts one to two seconds. Many patients describe it as intense but relieving — like finally releasing something that’s been wound up for months.
After a session, mild soreness in the treated area is common for 24–48 hours, similar to post-workout muscle soreness. Applying heat and staying hydrated helps.
We always explain the process fully before we begin, and we work at your comfort level — especially for first-time patients.
Is dry needling safe? Are there side effects?
Yes, dry needling is safe when performed by a trained, licensed physical therapist. The needles are sterile, single-use, and very thin — much finer than a hypodermic needle used for injections.
Common and expected side effects include:
- Mild bruising at needle sites
- Temporary soreness for 24–48 hours
- Occasional lightheadedness immediately after treatment (we have you rest briefly to avoid this)
Serious complications are rare when the technique is performed correctly. We have advanced training in dry needling and follow strict clinical protocols.
Why choose your Get Right Physical Therapy – Carmel for dry needling specifically?
Not every physical therapist offers dry needling, and among those who do, experience level varies widely. At Get Right Physical Therapy practice:
- Dry needling is performed exclusively by Andrew McClure, PT, DPT — not delegated to an aide
- We have advanced training and 13 years of clinical experience
- Dry needling is always integrated into a full treatment plan — we don’t just needle and send you home
- We treat the whole movement system, not just the painful spot
If you’ve been searching for an experienced dry needling physical therapist in Carmel, Indiana, we’d be glad to talk through whether it’s right for your situation.