Dry Needling for Muscle Pain Relief: How Dr. Kristin Robinson at Living Well Center Can Help
A Targeted Treatment for Muscle Pain, Tension, and Tightness
Are you struggling with chronic muscle pain, stubborn trigger points, or ongoing muscle tightness that just won’t resolve? If massage therapy, stretching routines, or foam rolling haven’t provided relief, dry needling therapy could be the solution you need.
Dry needling is a safe, evidence-based treatment offered by Dr. Kristin Robinson, DPT at Living Well Center for Integrative Health in Vermont. This modern technique is designed to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and restore mobility—helping you return to your active lifestyle quickly and effectively.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling uses a very thin, sterile needle—similar to an acupuncture needle—inserted directly into myofascial trigger points (commonly known as “muscle knots”). These trigger points are often responsible for:
Muscle tightness
Local or referred pain
Stiffness
Decreased range of motion
Muscle fatigue or weakness
By targeting these points, dry needling helps to release muscle tension, increase blood flow, and “reset” the muscle to a more relaxed, functional state. Think of it as hitting the reset button for your tight or irritated muscles.
Note: Dry needling is not acupuncture. It is based on modern Western medicine, anatomy, and musculoskeletal science—not traditional Chinese medicine.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is supported by recent clinical research and is widely used by physical therapists and chiropractors to treat:
Neck and shoulder tension (including tech neck, tension headaches, and desk-related tightness)
Low back pain (reduces muscle spasms and improves movement)
Sciatica and nerve pain (targets tight muscles affecting the sciatic nerve)
Chronic muscle knots (goes deeper than massage therapy)
Headaches or jaw pain (relieves tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw)
Sports injuries and overuse injuries (aids recovery from repetitive strain or overtraining)
Many patients report immediate pain relief, while others notice improvement after several sessions.
What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
Most people describe the sensation as a mild ache or twitch when the muscle responds to the needle. You may experience:
A deep muscle release or twitch
Soreness for a day or two (similar to post-workout soreness)
Noticeable relief in pain or tension within hours to days
Your comfort is our priority—we explain every step and tailor each session to your needs.
What Does the Research Say?
Recent studies (2020–2024) show that dry needling can:
Reduce muscle pain and tightness
Improve flexibility and range of motion
Speed up recovery from injuries
Be more effective than stretching or massage alone in certain cases
Research supports dry needling for treating low back pain, shoulder pain, neck tension, tennis elbow, and more.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Absolutely! Dry needling is performed by trained, licensed professionals who are experts in muscle anatomy and technique.
Possible side effects:
Mild soreness or bruising at the needle site
Temporary fatigue
Rarely, dizziness or lightheadedness (we ensure you’re comfortable and hydrated)
No medications are involved—this is a natural way to activate your body’s own healing response.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture
While both use fine needles, their intent and technique are very different.
Why Patients Love Dry Needling
Fast-acting pain relief
Treats the root cause of muscle pain, not just symptoms
Complements chiropractic care and physical therapy
Improves movement, flexibility, and muscle function
No medications or downtime required
Dry Needling at Living Well Center for Integrative Health
At Living Well, we incorporate dry needling into a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation plan. We often combine it with:
Stretching and mobility exercises
Chiropractic adjustments
Therapeutic exercise programs
Manual therapy
This integrative approach provides faster, longer-lasting results and helps you get back to feeling your best.
Ready to Try Dry Needling?
Let’s work together to relieve your pain and restore your movement. Call Living Well Center for Integrative Health today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kristin Robinson, DPT, and discover if dry needling is right for you!
Dr. Kristin Robinson - DPT
Kristin, a compassionate and dedicated physical therapist, graduated from UVM's Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. She earned her undergraduate degree at UVM, majoring in Exercise and Movement Science and Nutrition.
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