Dry needling is a proven and effective method for healing and restoring soft tissues. Although the term “needling” might cause some apprehension, this treatment is painless, safe, and accessible. The term “dry” indicates that the needles do not contain any fluid, unlike those used for vaccinations.

The primary goal of dry needling is to safely and naturally target specific trigger points that have caused local or referred pain.

Trigger points are found throughout the body; some areas include: 

  • Shoulders
  • Head
  • Knees
  • Achilles tendons
  • Hips
  • And more
dry needling ankle

Our Rochester dry-needling chiropractor has successfully treated several patients with our comprehensive chiropractic services.

Dr. Skare can help support the body by restoring function using this all-natural, holistic method. Our safe chiropractic solutions offer gentle yet effective care to those seeking pain remedies without relying on medication or invasive procedures.

Ready to start living free from restrictions? Let’s get you in for an appointment.

If you’re unsure whether dry needling would be a good fit for you, let’s connect. Contact us to learn more.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling therapy uses ultra-thin needles placed in localized areas (trigger points) of the skin where soft tissues are compromised. Essentially, the needles turn the tissues on and off through controlled stimulation.

This therapy treats pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system, resetting the body and removing discomfort at the applied insertion points.

The technique is safe and can be used on various kinds of patients suffering from multiple types of injuries. Although the needles are inserted superficially, they are poignant enough to treat the targeted muscular trigger point beneath the skin. Because of this highly targeted approach, results are typically fast and effective.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Rochester

The Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling therapy is a smart and responsible way to help the body find balance through an organic, noninvasive method. The benefits of dry needling are significant, and our Rochester clinic has seen many patients find comfort after years of pain.

Common benefits of dry needling include: 

  • Muscle and soft tissue repair
  • Increase blood flow and oxygen to the area stimulated
  • Fast and effective pain relief
  • Decrease swelling and inflammation
  • Improved range of motion, movement patterns, and flexibility
  • Improved sleep quality and energy levels
  • No recovery time or downtime
  • Complements other natural chiropractic methods for enhanced results
  • Release trigger points
  • And more

We frequently utilize dry needling to assist patients with sports injuries, overuse injuries, and muscle pain. Dr. Skare will determine the most effective strategy to heal and restore your body, often combining sports chiropractic services with dry needling to maximize results.

Check out our blog: Your Top Questions About Dry Needling – Answered

Dry Needling FAQs

What does dry needling do?

Dry needling is an organic, noninvasive technique administered by our experienced chiropractor.

By administering thin needles in the skin over the injured trigger points, we can help promote the restoration of soft tissues, effectively manage musculoskeletal pain, and improve movement impairments.

Common causes of trigger points include: 

  • Repetitive muscle movements and overuse
  • Aging and regular wear and tear
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Acute injury
  • Habitual poor posture and movement patterns
  • Tense muscles
  • Chronic stress

What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Acupuncture and dry needling are very similar; however, acupuncture is centered around energy flow, while dry needling focuses on targeted muscle recovery.

What is the dry needling process?

Dr. Skare will have you sit or lie on a table with the affected area exposed. Next, the needles will be placed in the skin directly over the injured soft tissue and into the trigger point. The needles are inserted about 10mm and usually stay in the skin for 5 to 15 minutes.

The number of sessions needed depends on the injury, its severity, and your comfort level.

Does dry needling hurt?

Because the needles are so thin, most patients barely feel anything when they are inserted. In some cases, a slight twitch is felt due to muscle contraction upon insertion; however, this doesn’t hurt or cause discomfort. Typically, the treatment is entirely pain-free.

Once the treatment has ended, the area may be a bit sore, or you may experience a dull muscle ache for a day or two, almost as if you’ve completed a big workout.

Your comfort is paramount, so we’ll communicate openly with you throughout your session and are always here to answer any questions you may have.

Is dry needling really safe?

Dry needling is a safe, efficient, and reliable treatment. It works quickly and often provides immediate pain relief. This technique helps the body restore damaged soft tissues and regain full function, enabling active patients to train, prepare, and compete without downtime.

Will Dry Needling Help Me?

Dry needling can significantly benefit you whether you have acute or chronic pain. The sessions are quick and easy, and Dr. Skare knows how to utilize each service at his disposal, making your time with us much more effective.

If you’re trying to rehabilitate from an athletic event or sports injury, have muscle pain due to overuse, or want to take a proactive approach to your health, dry needling is an excellent option.

We’ve seen our dry needling therapy help numerous patients, including:

  • High school athletes
  • College athletes
  • Sports competitors
  • Active people
  • Senior patients
  • Sedentary patients
  • Accident patients: work-related, slip and fall, exercise or sports injury
  • Overuse injury patients
  • And more

Some of the symptoms, injuries, and conditions our dry needling therapy will help relieve include:

Our chiropractor is prepared to determine the solutions that cater best to your needs. We want to help you find comfort, perform at your best, and regain your quality of life.

Visit Our Rochester Family & Sports Chiropractor

Our clinic is ideal for those seeking a healthy, active, and holistic approach to care. We identify and treat the root cause of your pain rather than just masking it. Our chiropractic services deliver safe and natural results.

Some of the common chiropractic solutions we offer that complement our dry-needling service include: 

Every program we create is patient-centered around your injury, lifestyle, goals, and needs. We know you want to move through life with a body you can count on; we’ll help make it happen.

We are the only chiropractic clinic in Rochester to offer the unique combination of chiropractic adjustments, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), McKenzie Method, soft tissue release, and dry needling.

Schedule today, and let’s get your pain under control so you can confidently return to your routine.

Family Chiropractic Care in Rochester

What our patients say

“I came to Dr. Skare as a college baseball player dealing with lingering hip issues from the season. From the start, he took the time to carefully diagnose the problem and didn’t rush the process like some other chiropractors I’ve been to in the past. He gave me specific stretches and exercises to do at home, which really helped speed up my recovery. One thing that stood out was the dry needling treatment – something I hadn’t tried before, but found to be very effective.

What sets Dr. Skare apart is that he truly cares about his patients. He’s not just trying to get you in and out the door. He listens, explains things clearly, and makes sure you’re getting the care you need. He’s also been super flexible with my busy and often late work schedule, always finding time to get me in quickly.

I’ve seen a lot of chiropractors over the years, and without a doubt, Dr. Skare is the best. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for real, personalized care.”

-Nolan Klocke, Hayfield, MN

“Dr. Nate is great! He uses both chiropractic practices and more physical therapy to help with pains. He has helped me with pain in my neck and knee and with a few short visits I was able to be pain free. He is understanding and works with you in visits and gives you exercises to help when you are out not with him and having pain. He has a lot of knowledge on treating his patients from multiple perspectives. Dry needling, PT and chiropractic techniques were all used to help me. I would recommend him to anyone because of his unique techniques of not just chiropractic but also exercises. He helped me not only heal what was hurting, but strengthen other muscles to prevent further injury.”

-Alison McHenry, Rochester, MN

‘Wouldn’t have been able to run a half marathon, because of a hip injury, without Nate. Couldn’t even run a mile without stopping in July, he created a plan which included exercises, adjustments and dry needling, three months later I finished a half marathon.

So glad I decided to stop living with the nagging hip pain.”

-Rose Z, Rochester, MN