Dry needling, also known as trigger point dry needling and intramuscular stimulation is a treatment technique used by various healthcare practitioners, including physical therapists, physicians, and chiropractors, among others.

When dry needling is applied to an affected muscle or trigger point, it can decrease muscle tightness, increase blood flow and reduce pain. Patients often report immediate relief after treatment. The needles remain in your muscle for a short period of time — between 10 seconds and 20 minutes — during treatment.