Dry Needling in Ann Arbor
Very thin needles, precisely placed, to calm tight, irritable muscles and help you move without pain. Performed by a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist as part of a complete plan, and included in your session, not billed as an add-on.
What Is Dry Needling, and How Does It Work?
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique in which a physical therapist places very thin, sterile filament needles into tight or sensitive areas of muscle, often called trigger points.
The needle sends a strong signal to the nervous system that can reduce muscle tension and sensitivity, improve blood flow, and ease pain. Its main job is to reset the connection between the muscle and the brain so you can move more freely, and then make the most of the exercise that follows.
It’s called “dry” because nothing is injected. At OLO, dry needling is never a stand-alone fix. It’s one tool inside a plan that also includes hands-on care, targeted exercise and a strategy to keep the pain from coming back.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Relief that makes the rest of your rehab work better.
Faster Pain Relief
By targeting trigger points at the source, many patients notice a change in pain and tension quickly, often within the first session or two.
Better Muscle Function
Releasing tension helps muscles fire and coordinate more efficiently, which supports strength and athletic performance.
Improved Mobility
Less guarding means more comfortable range of motion in the neck, back, hips and shoulders.
A Head Start on Exercise
Calmer tissue means you can load and strengthen it sooner, which is what makes results last.
No Medication
A drug-free way to manage pain, without pills, injections or their side effects.
Precise and Targeted
Reaches deeper muscles that are hard to address with hands, foam rollers or massage guns.
Conditions Dry Needling Can Help
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
Both use thin, solid needles, and that’s where most of the similarity ends.
| Dry Needling | Acupuncture | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Western anatomy, physiology and neuroscience | Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts (qi, meridians) |
| Goal | Release trigger points and tight muscle, reduce pain, restore movement | Restore balance and energy flow through the body |
| Where needles go | Into specific muscles and trigger points identified during a physical exam | Along traditional acupuncture points and meridians |
| Who performs it | A trained physical therapist (at OLO, Dr. Joe, PT, DPT, OCS) | A licensed acupuncturist |
| Part of a bigger plan? | Yes. Paired with hands-on care, exercise and movement retraining | Often a stand-alone treatment |
Dry needling is a musculoskeletal treatment used by physical therapists to help you move and feel better, and it works best as part of an active rehab plan. If you’re looking for acupuncture for general wellness, a licensed acupuncturist is the right call.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
Every visit is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Joe.
Assessment first
Dry needling is only used after a thorough exam shows it’s a good fit for your problem. We explain what we’re targeting and why, and you can always say no.
The needling
A clean, single-use needle is placed into the target muscle. You may feel a brief twitch or a deep ache, which usually passes in seconds.
Move and strengthen
We follow up with hands-on work and exercise to lock in the change while the muscle is calm and moving better.
I highly recommend Joe! He created a personalized plan for me and paid great attention to my symptoms at each visit, modifying our plan as needed. Dry needling and massage techniques were super helpful. He also gave me a lot of strategies and exercises that I am able to continue at home which make a significant difference.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel little or nothing as the needle goes in, because the needles are extremely thin. When it reaches a tight muscle, you may feel a quick twitch or a deep, crampy ache for a moment. That’s normal and usually short-lived.
Will I be sore afterward?
Some people feel mild soreness, similar to a workout, for a day or two. Light movement, heat and staying hydrated usually help.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
Many people notice a change in pain or tension within the first session or two. The lasting results come from pairing it with the right exercise program.
Does dry needling cost extra?
No. Dry needling is included in your 60-minute session, not billed as a separate add-on.
Do you take insurance?
OLO is cash-based and out-of-network, which is how every visit stays a full 60 minutes one-on-one. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. See our FAQ.
Let us know first if you…
Dry needling is very safe when performed by a trained clinician, but it isn’t right for everyone. Tell Dr. Joe if any of these apply:
- Are pregnant or might be
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Have a strong fear of needles
- Have a metal allergy (such as nickel)
- Have a weakened immune system or an active infection
- Have had recent surgery near the area being treated
Dr. Joe screens every patient first and will always explain the options. You choose what you’re comfortable with.
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Ready to Try Dry Needling?
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll call or text to get you scheduled, or set up a free consultation if you’d like to talk it through first.
5.0 ★ from 184 Google reviews · No referral needed to start · HSA/FSA accepted