Dry Needling

At Wellness Oasis in Barrington, dry needling is typically used for local musculoskeletal problems—especially when tight muscles and trigger points are a major driver of symptoms. It can be a helpful addition to chiropractic care, manual therapy (including Graston technique), and therapeutic exercises when appropriate.

What dry needling is (and what it’s for)

Dry needling uses a thin, sterile needle to target specific muscle trigger points. The goal is to help the muscle release, improve mobility, decrease protective spasm, and support the body’s natural healing process.

Most patients describe the sensation as minimal. If an active trigger point is treated, you may feel a brief “twitch” or cramp-like sensation as the muscle releases.

Benefits (may include)

Dry needling may help with:

• Reduced muscle tension and trigger point pain

• Improved mobility and range of motion

• Decreased muscle stiffness and spasm patterns

• Better tolerance for exercise, rehab, and daily movement

• Support for recovery when muscle tension is limiting progress

(Results vary; we tailor care based on your exam and goals.)

How we use dry needling at Wellness Oasis (what makes this different)

Dry needling is rarely a “one technique solves everything” situation. We typically use it to support your overall plan by:

• Releasing stubborn trigger points so manual therapy and adjustments hold better

• Improving motion so rehab exercises are easier and more effective

• Reducing protective tension so you can return to activity with less flare-up risk

Dry needling is a tool we use strategically—not a stand-alone protocol.

What to expect

Minimal discomfort: Most people tolerate treatment well; a brief “twitch” sensation may occur at a trigger point.
Duration: Sessions typically last about 15 minutes.
After your visit: Most people feel fine afterward and notice improved looseness or mobility. Soreness is uncommon, but it can occur, especially if the area was very tight or reactive. If it happens, it is usually short-lived.

What can dry needling help with?

Dry needling is commonly used for localized muscle tension and trigger point patterns, including:

• Neck and upper trap tightness

• Shoulder tension and restricted motion

• Low back tightness and recurring muscle spasm patterns

• Hip and glute tension (including piriformis-area tightness)

• Tension headaches driven by neck/shoulder trigger points

• TMJ and jaw tension (clenching patterns, jaw muscle tightness, facial/temple tension)

• Sports and overuse injuries where muscle trigger points contribute to pain or movement limitation

• Muscle spasms

If your symptoms include radiating numbness, progressive weakness, or significant neurological changes, we’ll guide you toward the appropriate evaluation.

Dry needling vs acupuncture (common question)

Both use very thin sterile needles, but the intent is different:

• Dry needling is a local musculoskeletal approach—focused on trigger points and tight muscle patterns in a specific area.

• Acupuncture can be used more broadly to support overall patterns such as stress load, sleep quality, and general pain modulation—while also helping with pain.

Some patients benefit from both, depending on goals. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you choose the best starting point.

Is dry needling right for you?

Dry needling can be a great fit if you:

• feel “stuck” with muscle tightness that doesn’t respond well to stretching alone

• have recurring trigger points that keep reactivating

• want a targeted local approach to improve mobility

• want to pair a focused technique with chiropractic care, manual therapy, and/or rehab for better long-term results

Ready to try dry needling?

If you’re dealing with localized muscle tension, trigger points, or restricted movement—especially in the neck/shoulder region, low back/hips, or jaw—dry needling may be a helpful addition to your plan.

Wellness Oasis
800 S Northwest Hwy, Suite 102A, Barrington, IL 60010
847-277-9355