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

Three people standing on a treadmill in a gym, with exercise equipment in the background.

A relationship built on compassion and great care: Rock Valley Physical Therapy will always be there for Gary “Blue’’ Hendren

By Kylie Williams • October 12, 2026
“I don’t know where I would be without Ashley (Schurr, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS),’’ said Hendren, who used to regularly shoot his age in golf, has a hole-in-one to his credit, and also a perfect 300 game in bowling. “She has always been there to get me through whatever I am dealing with. It’s been a lot of years with Ashley

Physical Therapy Isn't Just For Pain, It's For Lifelong Health

By ashley johnson • October 9, 2026
Most people assume physical therapy is something you only need after tearing a ligament, having joint replacement surgery, or waking up with a stiff neck. While PTs are great at those things, treating injuries is only half of what we do. Physical therapy is also one of the most effective, underused tools for preventative wellness. PT can help you move better, prevent chronic disease and help protect your health for decades to come. Exercise Is The Wonder Drug You Don’t Need a Prescription For We all know exercise is good for us. If physical activity were packaged into a single pill, it would be the most prescribed blockbuster medication on earth. The benefits of exercise are incredible: Improves your mood and mental clarity: Triggers natural endorphins and neurotransmitters that combat depression and chronic anxiety Protects against chronic illness: Drastically reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and multiple types of cancer Improves immune function: Studies show regular moderate activity significantly lowers the risk of severe respiratory illness and hospitalization from viruses like COVID-19 Protects brain health: Staying physically active through midlife helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia Improves metabolic health and sleep: Helps regulate insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and circadian rhythm But the CDC reports that fewer than a quarter of American adults meet the full federal benchmarks for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Why is that? Because for many people, moving regularly hurts, feels overwhelming, or doesn't fit well into everyday life. That's where your physical therapist comes in. Physical Therapy Helps You For Life To stay active, you have to first be able to move comfortably and safely. Physical Therapists are doctoral-level experts in the human movement system. They'll evaluate your entire body to reduce pain, get you moving better, and help you find the best exercise routine for you. They can also work together with your broader healthcare team. Whether your physician has urged you to lower your blood pressure, manage cholesterol, or improve your HbA1c levels, your PT can design an exercise prescription to help with these goals safely, and without pain. Think of your physical therapist the same way you think of your primary care physician or dentist: someone you visit for regular check-ups, movement screenings, and prescription changes. As your body changes across different decades, or as your lifestyle shifts from training for 10Ks to keeping up with grandkids, your PT can help you stay pain-free, capable, and healthy. Aging is inevitable, but losing mobility, strength, and independence is not. You don't have to wait for pain to make an appointment with your PT. Whether you want to run your first 5K, get back in the gym safely, or maintain your mobility and independence, think of your physical therapist as your movement coach and lifelong partner.

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