What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a clinical treatment technique that uses ultra-fine needles to target trigger points — knotted, overactive muscle fibers that cause localized pain, referred pain, and restricted movement. By inserting a needle directly into the trigger point, the muscle is prompted to release, local blood flow increases, and the body's natural healing response is activated.
It's not acupuncture. Dry needling is a western, evidence-based technique grounded in anatomy and neuromuscular science, used specifically to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. At Rebound, it's most commonly used alongside chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises as part of a complete treatment plan.
What Conditions Does Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic muscle tension, trigger points, or soft tissue injury. Dr. Kohler commonly uses dry needling to treat:
- Neck and shoulder tension, including upper trapezius trigger points
- Lower back pain and lumbar muscle tightness
- Sports injuries and overuse conditions such as IT band syndrome and rotator cuff issues
It's particularly useful for patients whose pain has been resistant to other treatments, or as a complement to chiropractic care for more complete results.
Dry Needling at Rebound Chiropractic in Ankeny
Dr. Benjamin Kohler is a chiropractor and sports medicine specialist with advanced training in trigger point dry needling. At Rebound, dry needling is never applied in isolation, it's integrated into a broader treatment plan that addresses the full picture of your condition, including joint mechanics, movement patterns, and rehabilitation.
Every session begins with an assessment. Dr. Kohler identifies the specific trigger points and muscle groups contributing to your symptoms before treatment begins, ensuring the approach is targeted and clinically appropriate for your situation.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
Assessment
Treatment
After Your Session
Experience Relief and Enhanced Mobility
Benefits of Dry Needling
- Direct trigger point release that addresses the source of muscle pain rather than managing surface symptoms
- Faster recovery from sports injuries and overuse conditions when combined with chiropractic and rehab
- Improved range of motion and reduced chronic muscle tension
Chiropractic
Chiropractors tend to treat musculoskeletal complaints such as achy and painful backs or common overuse injuries.
Benjamin Kohler
Book NowFrequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling
Most patients feel minimal discomfort during needle insertion. The twitch response, a brief involuntary muscle contraction, can feel like a quick cramp or ache that passes within a few seconds. Most patients find the process very tolerable.
Both use thin needles, but the approach and intent are different. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy meridians. Dry needling is a western clinical technique used specifically to treat trigger points and musculoskeletal pain.
It varies by condition and severity. Many patients see meaningful improvement within one to three sessions. Chronic or complex conditions may require more. Dr. Kohler will give you a realistic picture at your first visit.
Yes, and at Rebound it often is. Dry needling addresses the muscular component while chiropractic targets the joint and spinal component. Used together, they tend to produce better outcomes than either approach alone.
Yes, when performed by a trained clinician. Dr. Kohler uses single-use sterile needles and follows proper clinical protocols. The most common side effect is mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Book a Dry Needling Appointment in Ankeny
If you're dealing with muscle pain, trigger points, or a soft tissue injury that hasn't responded to other treatments, dry needling may be the missing piece.
Rebound Chiropractic and Sports Medicine
1201 SW State St., Suite 111Ankeny, IA
50023-2672
reboundchiropracticia@gmail.com
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