Dry Needling

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique that uses thin, sterile filiform needles — the same type used in acupuncture — to directly target and release myofascial trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neuroscience. The goal is to resolve muscular dysfunction, reduce pain, and restore normal movement patterns.

At Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX, Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. incorporates dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for patients dealing with stubborn muscle pain, movement restrictions, and conditions that have not fully resolved with chiropractic adjustments alone.

How Dry Needling Works

Trigger points — commonly called “muscle knots” — are hyper-irritable spots within a muscle where the fibers have become contracted and unable to release on their own. These knots can cause localized pain, refer pain to distant areas, limit range of motion, and weaken the affected muscle.

When a thin needle is inserted directly into a trigger point, it produces a brief “local twitch response” — an involuntary muscle contraction that signals the release of the contracted fibers. This response:

• Interrupts the pain-spasm cycle within the muscle
• Increases local blood flow and oxygen delivery
• Promotes the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals
• Resets the muscle’s neurological signaling so it can function normally

The needles used are so thin that most patients feel little to no discomfort during insertion. You may experience a brief muscle twitch, a mild ache, or a sensation of heaviness — all signs that the treatment is working.

Conditions Treated With Dry Needling

Dr. Chavez uses dry needling to help patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Chronic neck pain and upper back tension
• Low back pain and lumbar muscle spasms
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff dysfunction
• Headaches caused by trigger points in the cervical and upper trapezius muscles
• Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
• Sports injuries and overuse conditions
• IT band syndrome and knee pain
• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Fibromyalgia and widespread muscle pain

How Dry Needling Differs From Acupuncture

While both modalities use similar needles, the philosophy and technique are distinctly different. Acupuncture follows Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, targeting meridian points to restore energy balance. Dry needling follows evidence-based anatomical and neurophysiological principles, directly targeting dysfunctional muscle tissue. Both can be effective, but dry needling is specifically designed to address muscular trigger points and the movement and pain problems they cause.

Combining Dry Needling With Other Therapies

Dry needling produces excellent results on its own, but combining it with other therapies offered at Back 2 Health Chiropractic often accelerates recovery:

• Chiropractic adjustments — Restoring spinal joint alignment removes the neurological drivers of muscle tension, making dry needling effects longer-lasting.
• Massage therapy — Loosens surrounding muscle tissue before or after dry needling to enhance blood flow and reduce soreness.
• Fire cupping — Promotes circulation and tissue healing in areas treated with dry needling.
• Professional stretching — Helps maintain muscle length after trigger points are released.

What to Expect After Dry Needling

Following a dry needling session, you may experience some temporary muscle soreness — similar to the feeling after a hard workout. This is a normal response and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Applying heat or ice to the treated area and staying hydrated can help ease this post-treatment soreness.

Most patients notice significant improvement within 1–3 sessions. The number of sessions needed depends on the severity and chronicity of your condition.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

When performed by a qualified practitioner, dry needling is very safe. Dr. Chavez uses single-use, sterile needles for every patient and follows strict hygiene protocols. Dry needling is not appropriate for patients who are pregnant, have certain bleeding disorders, are on blood thinners, or have a fear of needles. Your health history will be reviewed before treatment begins.

Schedule Dry Needling in Lubbock, TX

If chronic muscle pain or trigger points are limiting your life, dry needling at Back 2 Health Chiropractic may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Call (806) 425-5973 or request your appointment online to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. today.