A person receiving an acupuncture treatment, with thin needles inserted into their skin.

Functional Dry Needling (FDN)

  • Functional Dry Needling (FDN) is an evidence-based treatment technique that targets myofascial pain and movement dysfunctions. It involves inserting fine, filiform needles into specific trigger points within muscles to stimulate them and increase blood flow to that area.

  • When a provider uses Functional Dry Needling, they perform an assessment to identify an area of dysfunction and then locate a trigger point within the muscle. The provider then precisely inserts a VERY thin needle into the trigger point. A happy healthy muscle feels little to nothing when you stick a needle in it, an unhappy muscle is going to twitch, cramp or ache.

    • Muscle pain and tightness

    • Headaches or migraines

    • Chronic pain

    • Tendonitis

    • Sciatica

    • Sports injuries

    • Joint pain

  • FDN focuses on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular issues, while acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice aimed at balancing energy flow (Qi) in the body.

    • Level 1 providers are trained to perform dry needling on common and less complex muscle groups. They focus on basic techniques and treatment of general conditions.

    • Level 2 providers have advanced training and can treat more complex cases, including deeper muscle groups (e.g., those in the pelvis or thoracic spine) and conditions requiring more intricate techniques.

  • Most patients feel a mild prick or discomfort when the needle is inserted. You may also feel a muscle twitch or ache during the treatment, which is a normal response.  This feeling is what helps bring blood flow and healing to the area and helps reset the firing pattern of that muscle.

  • Everyone tolerates needling differently, some clients love the twitch and others have some soreness afterwards. A little soreness is typical and usually resolves within 24-48 hours.

  • In general, the answer is no. However, if you are planning to submit your treatment visits to your insurance for reimbursement it is always a good idea to check with your insurance carrier directly.

  • If you are a new Physical Therapy client, click the button below to book online. Select Physical Therapy Evaluation when booking. If you are an established client or one of our Wellness Members select Physical Therapy Follow-up

    You can also call our office at 303-993-2237.