The Secret to Better Workouts? Combining Dry Needling with Strength Training in PT

Are you ready for better workouts?

If you’re struggling with tight muscles, nagging pain, or hitting a plateau in your workouts, the problem might not be your programming—it could be your muscles aren’t firing properly.

Muscle knots (also known as trigger points) can limit strength, range of motion, and muscle activation, making it harder to train effectively. That’s where dry needling comes in.

By releasing trigger points and improving neuromuscular control, dry needling helps your muscles work the way they’re supposed to—allowing you to lift heavier, run faster, and train harder with less pain.

Let’s break down how dry needling + strength training can unlock your true potential and help you perform at your best.

How Trigger Points Limit Your Performance

Muscles don’t work in isolation. They coordinate movement, stabilize joints, and generate force.

But when trigger points develop, they can:

🚫 Inhibit proper muscle activation (making other muscles compensate)

🚫 Limit range of motion (reducing flexibility and movement efficiency)

🚫 Cause pain and tightness (leading to altered movement patterns)

For example:

• Lifters with tight hip flexors may struggle with deep squats because the muscles won’t allow full hip mobility.

• Runners with tight calves might experience foot pain or Achilles issues because their stride is restricted.

• Athletes with shoulder tightness could lack overhead mobility, impacting presses or pull-ups.

These issues can slow progress, increase injury risk, and prevent you from reaching peak performance.

How Dry Needling Helps Your Muscles Work More Efficiently

Dry needling targets trigger points, helping muscles relax and return to their natural function.

Here’s how it benefits strength and performance:

• Releases muscle tension: Frees up movement for better squats, deadlifts, and running mechanics.

• Improves range of motion: Makes mobility work more effective, allowing for deeper movements.

• Restores muscle activation: Ensures muscles fire correctly, improving power and stability.

• Enhances recovery: Reduces post-workout soreness, keeping you training at a high level.

Why Dry Needling Alone Isn’t Enough

While dry needling can improve mobility and reduce pain, it’s not a magic fix. If you don’t follow up with strength training and movement correction, your body will fall back into the same dysfunctional patterns.

That’s why at Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we don’t just needle and send you on your way. We create a plan that includes:

✅ Strength Training – To reinforce correct movement patterns and build resilience.

✅ Mobility Work – To ensure muscles and joints move freely.

✅ Neuromuscular Re-Education – To retrain the brain-muscle connection for better performance.

Why PT (Not Just a Massage) is the Best Place to Start

Unlike generic treatments like massage or foam rolling, physical therapy focuses on long-term solutions. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we offer:

• One-on-one, expert care – No rushed appointments or cookie-cutter treatments.

• A combination of dry needling + strength training – Because fixing the issue is better than just treating it.

• Cash-based PT with no insurance limitations – More time with your therapist, better results.

  
  

Unlock Your Full Potential with Dry Needling + Strength Training

If you’re dealing with nagging tightness limiting your lifts or runs pain that keeps coming back, even with stretching or , plateaued performance despite consistent training...then it’s time to try dry needling with strength training to take your workouts to the next level.

📞 Call us today to schedule your appointment: 615-428-9213

References

• Dommerholt, J., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (2018). Trigger Point Dry Needling: An Evidence-Based Approach. Elsevier.

• Cagnie, B., Dewitte, V., Barbe, T., Timmermans, F., Delrue, N., & Meeus, M. (2013). Physiologic effects of dry needling. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 17(8), 348.

• Behm, D. G., & Wilke, J. (2019). Do self-myofascial release techniques have a positive effect on range of motion and performance? Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 33(3), 682-692.

• American Physical Therapy Association. "Dry Needling in Physical Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions." APTA Website.