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- 10207 E Hampton Ave Ste. 105, Mesa 85209
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Dry Needling in Mesa, AZ
Target Pain. Release Tension. Move Better.
Dry needling is a targeted physical therapy technique used to address muscle pain, tightness, and neuromuscular dysfunction. At Southwest Family Physical Therapy, dry needling can be incorporated into a personalized treatment plan to help reduce pain, improve movement, and get you back to the activities you love.
Dry needling is provided by Dr. Evan Short, PT, DPT, who has completed advanced continuing education through the Integrative Dry Needling Foundation Course.
Understanding the Technique
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment technique in which a trained physical therapist uses a very thin, sterile needle to target specific areas of muscle and soft tissue associated with pain, tightness, or restricted movement.
Unlike an injection, nothing is put into the body — the needle itself is used as part of the treatment.
Depending on your condition, dry needling may be incorporated alongside exercise, manual therapy, mobility work, and other physical therapy techniques as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Conditions We Address
What Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling may be appropriate for a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. Your physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether it should be included in your treatment plan.
Neck and back pain
Hip and knee pain
Muscle spasms and trigger points
Tendon-related pain
Muscular tension
Shoulder pain
Muscle tightness and stiffness
Sports and overuse injuries
Restricted range of motion
Pain or movement limitations
Not sure if dry needling is right for you?
Schedule an evaluation with our physical therapy team and we’ll help determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
The Process
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Targeting areas that may be contributing to pain & limited movement. During dry needling, a thin needle is carefully inserted into selected areas based on your physical therapist’s examination and treatment plan. The goal isn’t simply to treat where it hurts — your PT evaluates how muscles, soft tissues, movement patterns, and the neuromuscular system may be contributing to your symptoms.
01
Evaluate
Schedule an evaluation with our physical therapy team and we’ll help determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
02
Treat
When appropriate, dry needling is applied to targeted areas as part of your physical therapy treatment.
03
Move
Treatment is integrated with exercise, mobility, strengthening, or other physical therapy techniques to address function and help you return to the activities that matter to you.
Conditions We Address
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
NO. Although both techniques use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are different practices.
Dry needling performed in physical therapy is based on a physical examination and is used as part of a treatment plan for musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pain or movement dysfunction.
At Southwest Family Physical Therapy, dry needling isn’t viewed as a standalone treatment. It’s one of several tools your physical therapist may use alongside therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, mobility work, and rehabilitation.
Dry Needling
Performed by a licensed PT
Based on a physical exam
Targets muscle & soft tissue
Part of a PT treatment plan
Acupuncture
Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine
Focuses on energy meridians
Different clinical framework
Performed by acupuncturists
What to Expect
What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
It’s completely normal to have questions about what dry needling feels like — especially if you’ve never experienced it before.
Because the needles are very thin, some patients barely notice the initial insertion. Depending on the area being treated, you may experience a brief muscle twitch, pressure, cramping sensation, or dull ache during treatment.
Temporary soreness afterward can also occur, similar to the soreness you might experience following exercise or other physical therapy treatments.
Your physical therapist will explain the process before treatment and make sure you’re comfortable with what to expect.
Whole-Person Care
More Than Dry Needling
A treatment plan built around you. Dry needling is a technique — not the entire treatment plan. We look at the bigger picture: how you move, where you’re experiencing limitations, and what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Sports injury rehabilitation
Strength and mobility training
Movement and functional training
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
Theraputic exercise
Joint mobilization
Kinesio taping
Manual Therapy
The goal is to help you move better, regain function, and return to the activities you enjoy.
What to Expect
Dr. Evan Short, PT, DPT
Dr. Evan Short is an Arizona physical therapist dedicated to helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love.
Dr. Short earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University and has completed the Integrative Dry Needling Foundation Course, expanding the treatment options he can incorporate into individualized physical therapy care.
His approach starts with understanding each patient’s unique situation and developing a treatment plan designed around their specific goals, limitations, and lifestyle.
Questions & Answers
Dry Needling FAQs
Does dry needling hurt?
Everyone responds differently. The needles used for dry needling are very thin, and some patients barely notice their insertion. You may experience a brief twitch, pressure, cramping sensation, or dull ache when an area is treated. Temporary muscle soreness afterward is also possible.
How many dry needling treatments will I need?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. Your treatment depends on your condition, symptoms, goals, and response to care. Your physical therapist will evaluate your progress and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Can dry needling be combined with physical therapy?
Yes. In fact, that’s how we approach it at Southwest Family Physical Therapy. Dry needling may be incorporated alongside therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, mobility work, strengthening, and other physical therapy techniques.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. While both use thin needles, they are different treatment approaches. Dry needling performed by a physical therapist is incorporated into a physical therapy evaluation and treatment plan for musculoskeletal or neuromuscular pain and movement dysfunction.
Is dry needling right for everyone?
No. Your physical therapist will review your health history, symptoms, and condition before determining whether dry needling is appropriate for you. If it isn’t the right treatment, we’ll discuss other physical therapy options that may better fit your needs.
Understanding the Technique
Ready to Move Better?
Whether you’re dealing with an injury, persistent muscle tightness, pain, or a movement limitation that’s keeping you from doing what you enjoy, we’re here to help. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Evan Short and discover whether dry needling should be part of your personalized physical therapy treatment plan.