Dry Needling

Dry needling is part of a comprehensive approach to aide in the modulation of pain, renewal of motion, and restoration of function.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is part of a comprehensive approach to aide in the modulation of pain, renewal of motion, and restoration of function. The treatment is seldom stand-alone. Dry needling is performed by skilled, trained physical therapists. A thin monofilament needle(s) is utilized to penetrate the skin and treat underlying muscular trigger points, desensitize super-sensitive structures – inducing a healing response – and aide in restoration of function.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting, and often effective for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. Common conditions appropriate for treatment could include:

  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • TMJ (temporal mandible joint) pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Overuse injuries
  • Hip pain
  • Knee pain
  • Back pain

Who Can Benefit From Dry Needling?

Dry needling physical therapy can be appropriate for a wide subset of individuals. Dry needling may be used to treat patients with acute, subacute, and chronic pain and dysfunctions. When the muscle is stimulated with the needle, a twitch or rapid depolarization of the fibers may take place.

As a result, the muscle activity reduces dramatically, allowing it to relax while the pain and dysfunction decrease. Dry needling may also stimulate the release of the body’s endogenous opiates, initiating a new healing process.

What to Expect During a Session

During a dry needling session, your licensed physical therapist will gently insert thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points or tight muscles to help release tension, reduce pain, and improve movement. Most patients feel a brief muscle twitch or mild ache, followed by noticeable relief and improved flexibility. The treatment is quick, targeted, and often used alongside other therapy techniques as part of a personalized plan to speed up recovery.

Find a Clinic Near You

Why Choose Rock Valley Physical Therapy?

You deserve someone you can trust. We understand – life is busy. We make getting started easier than you might think. We accept nearly every insurance, and you can come in without a physician referral. Whether it’s lifting a grandchild, exercising, or just walking without pain, we are dedicated to getting you back to the life you want to live.

Experienced Therapists
Our team comprises licensed professionals with specialized training.

Convenient Locations

With over 60 clinics, we offer accessible care close to home.

No Referral Needed
Direct access to physical therapy services without a physician's referral.

Continuity of Care
Patients work with the same therapist throughout their treatment journey.

Real Stories. Real Results.

"The staff and clinicians are all very good. They answered all my questions, time spent with me was excellent and everyone showed great compassion."

"Everything is top notch! The expertise of the PTs and their caring attitude is exemplary. All the support staff are great!"

"I was very pleased with all of my care - pre op & post op. You did a wonderful job preparing me for surgery and getting me healed after."

"Excellent doesn't give the staff enough credit to how hard they work for their patient. All of the staff works very hard to give you extra help as each person needs."

Tips, Insights & Recovery Advice

Four people posing on a baseball field, with grass, dirt infield, and stadium signs behind them.

Rock Valley Physical Therapy selected as sports medicine provider for 2026 IAHSAA Class 3A, 4A state baseball finals

By Kylie Williams • July 15, 2026
Rock Valley Physical has again been selected to provide sports medicine coverage for the 2026 IAHSAA Class 3A and Class 4A boys state baseball finals. The tournaments, set for Monday-Friday, July 20-24, will be held at the 5,300-seat Veterans Memorial Stadium, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the home of the Class A Midwest League’s Cedar Rapids Kernels, the High A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Rock Valley’s Jason Viel, Director of Athletic Training Services, MS, LAT, ATC (Pleasant Valley High School); Blake Anderson, LAT, ATC (Rockridge (Il.) High School); Tyler Beauchamp, LAT, ATC, PTA, FMT (Davenport Central High School); and Jess Rummery MS, LAT, ATC (Bettendorf High School) will be on site to cover quarterfinal, semi-final and final-round action of the tournament. “This is such a great opportunity for Rock Valley to be the premier sports medicine providers for the 3A/4A 2026 IAHSAA State Baseball Tournament,’’ said Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Misti Thompson, LAT, ATC (Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids). “We were able to cover this event in 2024 and are excited for the opportunity to return and offer our services. With Rock Valley expanding across Iowa and even to neighboring states this allows us to amplify our mission of Making Better Lives while still being to impact traveling teams since we likely have clinics in most of the areas that teams are traveling from allowing continuity of care if needed through our direct access.’’ By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller
Four people stand in a gym holding an oversized check for Kord Valley.

Isaac Daniels is Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s first Stephen Kaschke Memorial Scholarship recipient

By Kylie Williams • July 10, 2026
Not only did his day entail catching up with friends, but Daniels learned he was the recipient of the first Stephen Kaschke Memorial Scholarship, a $2,500 award to a Rock Valley Physical Therapy employee pursuing a degree in physical therapy.

Request an Appointment

Dry Needling Contact Form