Dry needling involves solid filament needles, similar to those used in acupuncture, which are placed into the trigger point to produce a local twitch response (LTR). The needles are very thin and rarely felt entering the skin. The LTR is therapeutically essential for treatment, because it is followed by a period of reflexive relaxation of the muscle. When a person experiences a LTR, they will often feel a cramping sensation or discomfort in the referral pattern of the muscle lasting a few seconds.

Studies have also shown that when the increased tension in a trigger point is resolved, other trigger points within the pain referral zone may resolve as well.

Usually, patients experience the results in 3 sessions. However, additional sessions may be needed depending on the chronic nature of the trigger point and other contributing factors.

After dry needling breaks the pain cycle by resolving the trigger point, other treatment techniques focusing on myofascial release, neuromuscular re-education and strengthening will be introduced into the rehabilitation program.