Dry Needling Physical Therapy
How does Dry Needling aid Physical Therapy?
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a pain-relieving technique using a tiny acupuncture needle. The needle is inserted at points of the body that are constantly tight, creating pain relief that many patients never thought possible. The needles can treat deep parts of the muscles- areas that are often difficult to reach with massage. They cause a “twitch” response – a brief contraction followed by sustained relaxation. This response can “deactivate” painful, knotted areas in the muscles.
Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling therapy, at times, is included in a complete treatment plan aimed at relieving pain and promoting mobility. It is a technique that aims at trigger points in the muscles and relaxes the muscles as well as increases the movement. Studies demonstrate that the method of dry needling can not only be a pain killer but also facilitate the communication between nerves and muscles, thus decreasing the time for recovery.
Moreover, physical therapists are trained in-depth about anatomy and modalities of treatment including some extra specialization for performing dry needling therapy. When you decide to get dry needling, always ask about your therapist’s qualifications and experience.
What can dry needling treat?
The dry needling technique can help relieve pain in most muscles, including jaw pain, shoulder pain, hamstring tension, and golfer’s elbow. It can improve blood flow, speed healing time, and help rid muscles of deep knots that other techniques cannot reach. Dry needling leads to many of the same results as massage, but at a deeper level. For a patient that has experienced results with massage, but found them to be short-lived, dry needling may be a good option. It can also complement massage therapy.
Who Shouldn’t Get Dry Needling Therapy?
Not every patient can benefit from dry needling therapy. The method is inappropriate for children under the age of 12 because of the possible pain factor involved. In case of a child considering it, you must always talk to a medical professional first and start with other non-invasive approaches. Furthermore, some patients need to discuss with their doctors before undergoing dry needling therapy like people who are:
- Pregnant
- Not able to comprehend the treatment properly
- Scared of needles (trypanophobia)
- Have weak immunity
- Had tracheostomy recently
- Are on anticoagulants
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling is not acupuncture – it is based strictly on Western medical principles and research. However, it is sometimes used within the context of an acupuncture practice. According to research by Dr. Jay Shah at the National Institutes of Health, inserting a needle into trigger points can lead to biochemical changes that reduce pain. The biochemical changes can help lead to the essential twitch response, which is the first step in breaking the cycle of pain.
Will the procedure hurt?
Because the needle is so small, it does not hurt the way a larger hollow needle does when puncturing the skin. Most patients describe the sensations as “releasing” or “pressure.” The needle remains in the skin for a very short amount of time – just enough to relax the muscle. There may be a small amount of pain, which some patients describe as a slight shock or a cramping sensation, but it is well worth the lasting relief that dry needling causes.
How will I feel after the session?
The muscles treated will likely feel sore, the way they do after challenging exercise. This is because the needle has caused them to contract numerous times in quick succession in order to relax them. Patients may feel fatigued, but not so much that it interferes with everyday activities. Some patients find it helpful to treat the area with heat or ice if there is soreness. After just a couple of sessions, most feel lasting relief from pain.
How often will I need to return to maintain my progress?
Usually, a dry needling treatment is repeated every five or six days until the pain cycle is broken. The first cycle will focus on just a few key muscles. Then, as the body becomes more used to the sensations, the treatment is fine-tuned to be as effective as possible. The technique is not a quick fix; instead it is a process that will help break the pain cycle. Once the pain cycle is broken, other treatment options are introduced to help prevent future problems.
Have Questions?
Let us know if you have any questions about your treatment, our practice and whatever else is on your mind. We are here to help and we look forward to serving you!
Dry Needling Physical Therapy in Fort Lee, NJ Relieve Muscle Pain & Restore Mobility
Dry needling in physical therapy is a rehabilitation and pain-management technique. We often use it alongside exercise and manual therapy to reduce pain and improve function. It is most effective when integrated into an individualised treatment plan rather than used as a stand-alone intervention.
Pinpointing Pain, Restoring Function
Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling is a commonly used treatment in rehabilitation and pain management. It is often combined with exercise and manual therapy to improve movement, reduce pain, and support overall function. Like most therapeutic approaches, its effectiveness depends on being incorporated into an individualised treatment plan.
Dry Needling as a PT Treatment
Dry needling in physical therapy is primarily used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness that restrict or make movement uncomfortable. When tight or irritated muscles interfere with normal motion, dry needling can be incorporated into therapy to ease symptoms. This relief allows patients to move more comfortably and participate more fully in therapeutic exercises.
Although dry needling can be a valuable addition to treatment, it is not a “cure-all.” It works best when combined with other physical therapy interventions, particularly when symptoms persist despite ongoing care.
Lasting Relief
Who Benefits from Dry Needling?
Dry needling in physical therapy does not suit every patient, but it can be highly effective for a wide range of conditions. These may include:
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms
- Tendonitis/tendinopathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
- Sciatica
- TMJ
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tennis or Golf Elbow
- Frozen Shoulder
- Acute and chronic injuries
- Athletic and overuse injuries
- Edema (swelling)
- Poor circulation
What Other Ailments Does Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is used to address musculoskeletal conditions and muscle tightness that limit the range of motion. Common reasons for using dry needling include:
- Excessive scar tissue
- Low back pain
- Joint problems, including arthritis
- Disc problems
- Whiplash
- Spinal problems
- Pelvic pain
- Phantom pain after an amputation
We Believe In
We are committed to delivering care that is compassionate, clinically precise, and built around the individual needs of every patient we serve.
Highly Personalized and Effective Treatments
No two patients are alike — and neither are our treatment plans. Every session is designed around your unique pain patterns, mobility restrictions, and recovery goals.
Treatment Paired With Education
We believe informed patients heal faster. Every visit includes patient education, so you understand exactly what is happening in your body and why.
Treating Clients With Dignity
Every patient deserves to be heard, respected, and treated with the highest standard of care. We foster a welcoming, judgment-free environment where your comfort comes first.
Safety is our top Priority.
All procedures are performed by certified, state-licensed physical therapists. We use only single-use, FDA-cleared filiform needles in full compliance with U.S. clinical hygiene guidelines.
Find Pain Relief with Physical Therapy
Other Services Provided by Fort Lee PT
Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and restore function. It uses a combination of treatment methods to support healing and recovery. Physical therapy is often recommended for injuries or medical conditions that limit mobility and make daily activities more difficult.
Manual Physical Therapy
Skilled hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and therapeutic stretching, help reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve overall movement for lasting relief.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Gentle, child-friendly care that supports healthy growth, development, and functional movement, helping children of all ages reach their physical milestones with confidence at every stage.
Sports Physical Therapy
Targeted rehabilitation and injury prevention programs designed to help athletes recover faster, rebuild strength, and return to peak performance safely, whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive pro.
PT for Women's and Men's Health
Specialized, evidence-based care for pelvic health, hormonal changes, and conditions unique to women and men, restoring confidence, comfort, and full function through personalized treatment.
We offer 10+ specialized therapy services for all your rehabilitation needs
What Our Patients Say
Patients consistently rate our dry needling and rehabilitation services highly. Read what real patients have to say about their experience at Fort Lee PT.
5.0
Based on Google Reviews
Meet our Physical Therapists
Your doctoral-level clinician will personally work with you and your physician to create an individualized treatment plan and walk you through every step of your rehabilitation. We are dedicated to helping you find pain relief, restore function, and maximize your physical well-being. All physical therapists on our team hold Doctorates in Physical Therapy.
Dr. Hyun (June) Park
PT, DPT, CIDN, Owner
Dr. Hyun J. (June) Park, PT, DPT, CIDN graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She is certified in dry needling by the Integrative Dry Needling Institute. She is a member of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association), with special interest in the Sports Physical Therapy section.
Prior to becoming the owner and Clinical Director of Fort Lee Physical Therapy in 2009, she worked at various physical therapy centers, such as the Kessler Rehabilitation Centers.
Dr. Park has extensive knowledge in working with pediatric and special needs patients, and makes it a priority to stay knowledgeable in the latest rehabilitation treatments such as Kinesio Taping, which is a rehabilitative technique that uses Kinesio Tex Tape to provide patients muscle and joint support during therapy sessions. As a physical therapist, her expertise also includes sports injuries, neck and back pain, outpatient therapy and post- surgical rehabilitation.
Dr. Park’s interest in physical therapy was inspired by her prior career in the fitness industry, where she came across many clients suffering from long term physical injuries. Her patients praise her upbeat personality, and her ability to consistently motivate them through every stage of their recovery. She continues to be passionate about physical fitness, and enjoys hobbies such as mountain biking, skiing, and golf.
Dr. MJ Marcano
PT, DPT
Dr. Michael J. Marcano (MJ), DPT graduated from Mary Baldwin University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Michael’s career and internships have given him experience in settings including: acute care, sub-acute care, and outpatient orthopedics.
Michael has worked with many patient populations within his experiences that encompass a diverse population of patients in outpatient orthopedics and medically complex settings.
Michael prides himself on his ability to apply a breadth of manual therapy techniques while curtailing his treatment plans to his patients’ specific needs in order to address and treat their functional impairments.
Outside of the clinic, Michael enjoys running, lifting weights, cooking, and traveling.
Dr. Marvin Mui
PT, DPT, ACSM - EP
Dr. Marvin Mui PT, DPT, ACSM – EP was born and raised in the heart of New York City, Lower East Side, where he grew up playing basketball. His passion for sports led him to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and then a doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University at Buffalo. Marvin has experience caring for a wide range of patients in acute care settings, specialized nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics.
Since graduating, Marvin continues to further his education by taking Mckenzie, Mulligan, and Maitland certification courses. He also began to learn Korean to provide better care and education for his patients in Fort Lee. When he is not practicing Korean, Marvin speaks Cantonese at home.
Marvin believes in optimizing functional activities and exercises in conjunction with manual therapy to return patients back to their daily lives.
During his days off, Marvin loves to stay active and play sports like tennis, basketball, and ping pong. If not outdoors, Marvin enjoys staying home and cooking for his girlfriend and his dog.
Dr. Kang Yeon
PT, DPT
Dr. Kang Yeon, PT, DPT graduated from Rutgers University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Kang was originally a member in 2020 when Covid first started. During that time, he was determined to get experience in a PT clinic after graduating with a Bachelors in Exercise Science at Rutgers University. Kang than applied to PT school where he provided physical therapy in settings such as acute care, outpatient, sub-acute, and ortho based physical therapy. Kang has worked with many patient populations that require dexterity in outpatient orthopedics as well as patients who need comprehensive care management.
Kang communicates with his patients, accommodating certain needs depending on patient necessity. He believes in a holistic approach where both he and the patient work together to create the best treatment plan.
Kang enjoys being active, weight-lifting 4-5 days per week. During his downtime, Kang enjoys to play bass and learn rock music.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, often described as a brief muscle twitch or pressure.
Yes, dry needling can help reduce muscle tension and pain associated with many types of back conditions.
Light activity is usually safe the same day, but strenuous exercise may be delayed based on your therapist’s guidance.
Dry needling may be postponed if you’re unwell, and your therapist will determine what’s safest for you.
Dry needling is performed by licensed physical therapists with specialized training.
For many patients, dry needling is a cost-effective option when used as part of a complete physical therapy plan.
Costs vary by location and treatment plan and are often discussed during your initial evaluation.
Dry needling targets muscle trigger points for pain relief, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.
Dry needling regulations vary by state, and licensed physical therapists must follow state-specific guidelines.