Dry Needling in Prescott
Targeted treatment to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and improve movement.
Precise Treatment for Pain and Muscle Dysfunction
Dry needling is a highly effective technique used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and movement restrictions.
At Permar Physical Therapy, dry needling is performed one-on-one by Dr. Gage Permar, DPT as part of a broader treatment plan designed to help you move better and feel better — not just temporarily, but long-term.
For many patients, it’s the tool that helps break the pain cycle and allows real progress to begin.
One-on-one appointments with Dr. Permar
Targets muscle trigger points
Reduces pain and stiffness
Improves mobility and muscle activation
Supports recovery alongside exercise and manual therapy
Relieve Pain.
Restore Movement.
Get Back to Living Fully.
How Dry Needling Works
Dry needling uses a very thin, sterile filament needle to stimulate tight or dysfunctional muscle tissue — often referred to as trigger points.
This stimulation helps:
- Release muscle tension
- Improve blood flow
- Reduce pain signals
- Restore normal muscle function
By addressing the underlying muscle dysfunction, dry needling can help reduce symptoms that haven’t responded to rest, medication, or traditional stretching alone.
What Dry Needling Can Treat
Dry needling can be effective for a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain (tennis/golfer’s elbow)
- Hip and knee pain
- Sciatica and nerve-related pain
- Tension headaches and migraines
- TMJ dysfunction
- Myofascial trigger point pain
It’s often used as part of a comprehensive physical therapy plan.
What Treatment Feels Like
Most patients tolerate dry needling very well.
When a trigger point is stimulated, you may feel a brief twitch response or cramping sensation. This typically lasts less than a second.
After treatment, mild soreness is possible and may last from a few hours up to two days. Heat and light movement usually reduce this quickly.
Once soreness resolves, many patients notice reduced pain and improved mobility.
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
No.
Dry needling is based on western medical principles and is used specifically to treat muscle, nerve, and movement dysfunction.
Acupuncture is rooted in eastern medicine and focuses on systemic conditions and energy pathways (meridians).
While both use thin needles, the evaluation, treatment goals, and application are entirely different.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry needling painful?
Most patients feel only a brief twitch or cramp sensation that lasts less than a second.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies based on your condition and treatment goals. Dry needling is typically combined with other therapy techniques.
Is it safe?
Yes. Treatment uses sterile, single-use needles and is performed by a licensed physical therapist trained in the technique.