Reduce pain sensitivity
Dry needling may help reduce pain or tenderness in selected muscles and tissues as part of a larger treatment plan.
DRY NEEDLING
A targeted treatment used within a broader rehabilitation plan.
Dry needling is one of OnePoint’s most frequently used treatment tools for orthopedic patients. When clinically appropriate, it can help address pain, muscle-related symptoms, and mobility restrictions while supporting a broader plan focused on movement, strength, and function.
WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
A technique used to treat selected musculoskeletal problems.
Dry needling uses a thin filiform needle inserted into targeted muscle or soft-tissue areas based on the therapist’s examination and clinical reasoning. The goal is to influence pain, muscle tone, mobility, or movement tolerance when the technique is appropriate for the patient.
Improve movement tolerance
For some patients, dry needling may help improve tolerance for movement or address muscle-related restrictions that limit activity.
Support active treatment
The most important gains usually come from what follows: progressive exercise, strengthening, movement retraining, and a plan for returning to meaningful activity.
WHEN IT MAY BE USED
Selected based on the evaluation — not simply the diagnosis.
Dry needling is not appropriate for every patient or every condition. Your therapist determines whether it fits the findings from your evaluation and whether it is likely to complement the rest of your care.
Muscle-related pain
Mobility restrictions
Neck or back symptoms
Shoulder conditions
Hip or lower-extremity pain
Sports-related injuries
Persistent musculoskeletal symptoms
Post-surgical rehabilitation when appropriate
IMPORTANT
Dry needling is one part of care.
At OnePoint, we do not use dry needling in isolation when broader rehabilitation needs are present. It is typically paired with active treatment so changes in pain or mobility can be translated into better strength, movement, and function.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A brief, targeted treatment within your physical therapy visit.
Your therapist will explain why dry needling is being recommended, what area is being treated, and what you may feel during or after the procedure.
Some patients feel brief muscle twitching, aching, or soreness during or after treatment. Your therapist may then use movement or exercise to reinforce the desired change.
After treatment
Temporary soreness can occur. Your therapist will give you guidance on activity, exercise, and what to expect based on your individual response.
CLINICIANS WITH DRY-NEEDLING TRAINING
Dry needling expertise across our orthopedic team.
All OnePoint orthopedic physical therapists are trained and licensed to perform dry needling. Dry needling is available at both clinic locations when clinically appropriate.
Collin Eggebrecht, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Virginia-Highland • Owner • Orthopedics
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with advanced spinal manipulation and dry needling training.
Jonathan Joseph, PT, DPT
Virginia-Highland • Clinic Manager • Orthopedics
Treats a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions and has advanced dry needling training.
Mary Weston Cummings, PT, DPT
Virginia-Highland • Orthopedics • Sports Rehabilitation
Orthopedic physical therapist with a sports and post-surgical rehabilitation background and training in dry needling.
Amanda Lee, PT, MSPT
Virginia-Highland • Orthopedics
Orthopedic physical therapist with advanced dry needling and mobility/joint-control training.
Madison Split, PT, DPT
Virginia-Highland • Orthopedics
Orthopedic physical therapist trained in dry needling, with additional advanced training in pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Kelvin Carter, PT, DPT, OCS
Edgewood/Candler Park • Clinic Manager • Orthopedics
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with advanced spinal manipulation and dry needling training.
Karen Blackburn, PT, DPT
Edgewood/Candler Park • Orthopedics
Orthopedic physical therapist with advanced dry needling training.
Peyton Ciesco, PT, DPT
Edgewood/Candler Park • Orthopedics • Sports Rehabilitation
Orthopedic physical therapist trained in dry needling who works with athletes and patients across age groups.
Zach Rumble, PT, DPT, MEd
Edgewood/Candler Park • Orthopedics
Orthopedic physical therapist trained in dry needling with a focus on movement, function, and evidence-based rehabilitation.
Katherine Semones, PT, DPT, OCS
Edgewood/Candler Park • Orthopedics
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with advanced spinal manipulation and dry needling training.
Iain Struckmeyer, PT, DPT
Edgewood/Candler Park • Orthopedics • Sports Rehabilitation
Orthopedic physical therapist with advanced dry needling and spinal manipulation training and a strong sports-rehabilitation background.
DRY NEEDLING + ACTIVE REHABILITATION
Use short-term changes to build long-term capacity.
When dry needling improves pain or movement tolerance, the next step is to use that window to move better, load appropriately, and build strength.
Address symptoms
Reduce pain or sensitivity enough to help improve movement tolerance when dry needling is appropriate.
Restore movement
Use mobility, motor-control, and exercise strategies to reinforce changes and address contributing movement limitations.
Build strength
Progressively strengthen and expose the body to the demands needed for work, exercise, recreation, or sport.
TWO ATLANTA LOCATIONS
Dry needling is available at both OnePoint clinics.
All OnePoint orthopedic therapists are trained and licensed to perform dry needling. Your therapist will determine whether it is appropriate for your condition and plan of care.
Virginia-Highland
867 Greenwood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
- Orthopedic and sports rehabilitation
- Multiple clinicians with advanced dry needling training
- Kinvent force testing and Suji BFR
Edgewood / Candler Park
1328 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Orthopedic and sports rehabilitation
- Multiple clinicians with advanced dry needling training
- VALD, AlterG, and Suji BFR
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Dry needling questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. Dry needling is used by physical therapists within a musculoskeletal rehabilitation framework, while acupuncture is a distinct healthcare practice with different training and treatment models.
Does dry needling hurt?
Some patients feel little discomfort, while others notice a brief twitch, ache, or soreness. Your therapist will explain what to expect and adjust treatment based on your response.
Will dry needling fix my problem by itself?
Usually not. At OnePoint, dry needling is typically used as one component of a broader plan that includes exercise, strengthening, movement retraining, education, and return-to-activity progression.
Is dry needling appropriate for everyone?
No. Your therapist will review your history, condition, and treatment goals to determine whether dry needling is appropriate and discuss alternatives when it is not.
Dry needling is performed only when clinically appropriate and with patient consent as part of a physical therapy plan of care.
GET STARTED
Interested in whether dry needling may fit your rehabilitation plan?
Our new-patient team can connect you with an orthopedic clinician and location based on your condition, goals, and scheduling needs.
New Patient Appointments
404-600-4627
Select option 1 for a new-patient appointment at either OnePoint location.
Email newpatient@onepointpt.comPlease do not include sensitive medical information in email or website contact forms.