The Secret to Easing Chronic Back Pain: How Dry Needling and PT Work Together

If You’ve Tried Everything for Your Back Pain, Read This

Back pain can be relentless. Whether it’s a dull ache that creeps in during long workdays or a sharp, sudden spasm that sidelines you from your favorite activities, finding lasting relief often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Speaking of needles—dry needling may just be the solution you need.

If you're tired of endless stretches, massages that only provide temporary relief, or medication that merely masks the pain, it’s time to look into the powerful combination of trigger point dry needling and physical therapy.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where thin, filiform needles are inserted into trigger points—those tender knots of muscle that form when fibers become overly contracted. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern understanding of anatomy and pain science.

How Dry Needling Helps with Back Pain

Back pain often results from tight, knotted muscles, poor posture, and imbalances that put strain on the spine and surrounding structures. Dry needling targets the source of the tension directly, helping to:

• Release Tight Knots: By disrupting the muscle contraction at trigger points, dry needling allows the muscle to relax.

  
  

• Increase Blood Flow: Improved circulation aids in tissue repair and reduces inflammation.

  
  

• Reduce Pain Signals: Dry needling stimulates the nervous system, blocking pain signals from overactive trigger points.

  
  

The PT Advantage: Fixing the Root Cause

While dry needling offers immediate relief for many patients, long-term results come from addressing the underlying issues that caused the back pain in the first place. That’s where physical therapy comes in.

Here’s what your tailored plan might include:

• Movement Assessments: We identify imbalances or compensations contributing to your back pain.

  
  

• Strengthening Exercises: Targeting weak areas, like the core and glutes, to better support your spine.

  
  

• Postural Training: Teaching you to maintain optimal alignment whether you're sitting, standing, or lifting.

  
  

• Mobility Work: Stretching and joint mobilizations to keep your back moving freely.

Dry Needling will allow for less pain, reduced muscle spasms, and improved mobility so that you can progress through the needed strength, posture, and movement to truly address the problem...not just put a Band-Aid on it.

Check out Sarah’s Journey to Pain-Free Living

Sarah, a 38-year-old marketing executive, came to us with chronic lower back pain that had been worsening for years. She had tried massages and chiropractic care, but relief was always temporary. Her stressful desk job and weekend CrossFit sessions were taking a toll.

In her first session, we identified trigger points in her lumbar muscles and glutes. After just one dry needling session, Sarah reported significant relief. We then focused on strengthening her core and improving her lifting form during workouts.

After six weeks, Sarah not only experienced reduced back pain but also increased her personal best on deadlifts without discomfort.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

If you answer "yes" to any of the following, dry needling combined with PT might be your perfect solution:

• Do you have persistent back pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments?

• Do you feel muscle knots or tightness in your back that never seem to release?

• Are you looking for a non-invasive, drug-free way to relieve pain?

• Do you want to address the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms?

  
  

Why Choose Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance?

Our direct pay practice model means:

• No Insurance Red Tape: We design your care plan based on what’s best for you, not what insurance dictates.

• One-On-One Care: You get our full attention during every session.

• Long-Term Solutions: We don’t just treat symptoms—we help you get stronger, move better, and stay pain-free.

• Tune-Ups: Come back anytime for a quick tune ups and resets to keep you moving through life.

  
  

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Don’t let back pain control your life. With the right combination of dry needling and physical therapy, lasting relief is possible. Give us a call at Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance today to schedule your first session and take control of your back health.

References:

• Dommerholt, J., & Fernandez-de-Las-Peñas, C. (2013). Trigger Point Dry Needling: An Evidence and Clinical-Based Approach.

• Cagnie, B., Dewitte, V., Barbe, T., Timmermans, F., & Delrue, N. (2015). Physiological Mechanisms of Dry Needling. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 23(2), 53-59.

• Shah, J., & Gilliams, E. (2008). Uncovering the biochemical milieu of myofascial trigger points using in vivo microdialysis: An integrative approach to pain management. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 12(4), 371-384.