Dynamic Physical Therapy
Dry Needling in Cottonwood Heights & Salt Lake City, UT
Dry Needling for Pain Relief and Recovery in Cottonwood Heights & Salt Lake City, UT
Are painful “knots” in your muscles limiting your mobility and daily activities? Do injuries take longer to heal than expected? At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we use dry needling as a targeted technique to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and accelerate the body’s natural healing process. This advanced therapy stimulates trigger points, helping muscles relax and function properly. As the most experienced providers of Dry Needling in the state of Utah, our expertise ensures you receive the highest level of care and most effective treatment for your muscle dysfunction.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves inserting ultra-thin needles into tight or irritated muscle areas (trigger points) to:
- Reduce muscle spasms and tension
- Improve circulation and oxygen flow to affected tissues
- Alleviate nerve irritation contributing to pain
- Restore range of motion and flexibility
This technique is rooted in modern medical science and specifically targets musculoskeletal dysfunction to provide relief from pain and improve physical function.
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an effective therapy for individuals struggling with:
- Chronic muscle tightness or spasms
- Sports-related injuries
- Postural imbalances causing discomfort
- Tendonitis and repetitive strain injuries
- Limited mobility due to scar tissue or inflammation
Ali Svoboda
I am so lucky to have found Dynamic PT. They came highly recommended from a neighbor and I plan on sticking with Matt and the team for any PT needs. Each session Matt takes time to check in on how I am doing, answers all of my questions, provides explanations for any treatments and exercises, and spends a lot of time working with me. He is very knowledgeable and has given me great questions and suggestions to discuss with my primary doctor as well. The front office is very easy to work with for any questions and scheduling needs, and their online scheduler is very to easy to use as well. Thank you to Matt and the entire Dynamic PT team!
Alex Henricks
I was referred to Dynamic Physical Therapy for a lower back injury. Ariel Branden was my physical therapist and she was excellent! My objective was to get back to where I was pre-injury but I was ready to make some concessions with how I was working out. When I ran this by Ariel she challenged me and said there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to do what you were doing pre-injury. So, she set the bar higher than I did for my rehabilitation. She did an awesome job of being informative and being able to switch paths without blinking. We tried dry needling for a couple sessions but the feedback I provided her lead her to believe other treatments would be more effective.
Key Benefits of Dry Needling
1. Immediate Pain Relief
By releasing muscle knots and improving blood circulation, dry needling often provides rapid pain reduction.
2. Faster Healing and Recovery
This technique encourages muscle relaxation and tissue repair, reducing inflammation and enhancing overall recovery.
3. Improved Mobility and Flexibility
Tight, restricted muscles become more pliable, allowing for better movement and reduced stiffness.
4. Reduced Dependence on Medication
Many patients find that dry needling helps manage pain without the need for long-term medication use.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
- Your therapist will assess the affected area and identify trigger points.
- Thin needles will be inserted into targeted muscles to release tension.
- Some patients experience mild twitching or a deep ache, which quickly subsides.
- Sessions typically last 15-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry needling painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort, similar to a muscle twitch or pressure sensation. Any soreness usually subsides within 24 hours.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition. Some patients experience relief after one session, while others require multiple treatments for lasting results.
Who should avoid dry needling?
Dry needling is not recommended for individuals with bleeding disorders, needle phobia, pregnancy, or pacemakers. Your therapist will review your medical history to determine suitability.
Meet Your Dry Needling Specialists at Dynamic Physical Therapy
Our experienced physical therapists specialize in dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We focus on helping patients recover quickly and return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Matthew Nelson, PT, DPT, TPS, AFDNS, AIB Cert-VR
Matt is an Advanced Functional Dry Needling Specialist with extensive experience in the technique since 2007. He has taught over 75 continuing education courses and was instrumental in getting dry needling approved for physical therapists in Utah, earning him Physical Therapist of the Year in 2014. Matt combines dry needling with his expertise in spine care, sports rehabilitation, and chronic pain management to deliver comprehensive care.
Jessica Bauerkemper, PT, DPT, AIB CERT-VR
Jessica is a certified Trigger Point Dry Needling specialist who integrates this technique with her skills as a certified Pilates instructor. She specializes in orthopedic care, post-operative rehabilitation, and both chronic and acute pain management. Jessica is passionate about using dry needling as part of her approach to help patients return to their most valued activities.
Anika Jansen, PT, DPT
Anika incorporates functional dry needling into her treatment of orthopedic conditions as well as vestibular, balance, and concussion diagnoses. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she brings a diverse background of experience to her practice, combining dry needling with her comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.
Ciena Lavallee, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT
Ciena focuses on orthopedic conditions and is certified in The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosing and Therapy. She integrates this approach with dry needling techniques to improve the way patients move. Ciena is dedicated to continuing her education to enhance her ability to provide effective care through various treatment modalities including dry needling.
Start Your Recovery Today
If chronic pain, muscle tension, or mobility limitations are holding you back, dry needling may provide the relief you need. Contact Dynamic Physical Therapy in Cottonwood Heights & Salt Lake City, UT today to schedule a consultation.