What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a clinical technique that uses thin filiform needles to release tight bands of muscle tissue, known as trigger points. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling is rooted in Western musculoskeletal anatomy and is used to address pain, restricted movement, and muscle dysfunction directly.
The technique is commonly used for patients dealing with chronic muscle tension, myofascial pain syndrome, tension headaches, neck and shoulder tightness, and pain related to postural strain or repetitive movement. It can also support recovery from soft tissue injuries by improving blood flow and reducing localized muscle guarding.
At O'Keefe Matz, dry needling is not a standalone treatment. It is used as one component of a broader care plan alongside chiropractic adjustments, frequency specific microcurrent (FSM), and cold laser therapy, depending on what each patient's presentation calls for.
How Dr. Matz Approaches Dry Needling
Dr. Janell Matz, DC, DCBCN, Acu Dipl. CMT, integrates trigger-point and IMS-style needling with chiropractic care to address the underlying muscular and neurological factors contributing to pain and restricted movement. Her approach draws on her training in intramuscular stimulation (IMS), dry needling, and functional neurology to target the specific muscle groups driving each patient's symptoms.
Rather than treating the needle insertion site in isolation, Dr. Matz evaluates the relationship between muscle tension patterns, spinal alignment, and nervous system function. This means needling is typically combined with spinal work, soft tissue therapy, or FSM in the same visit, depending on what the clinical picture requires. Patients with complex or chronic presentations often benefit from this multi-modal approach, which addresses the contributing factors rather than the symptom alone.
What to Expect at Your First Dry Needling Appointment
Step 1: Assessment
Step 2: Treatment
Step 3: Follow-Up
What Dry Needling Can Help With
Patients who incorporate dry needling into their care at O'Keefe Matz typically report the following outcomes:
Reduced muscle tension and pain: Trigger-point release can produce noticeable improvement in localized muscle tightness and associated pain, often within a few sessions.
Improved range of motion: Releasing tight myofascial bands frequently allows for better joint mobility and easier movement, which supports the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments.
Fewer tension headaches: Patients with headaches driven by suboccipital or upper trapezius tension often see a reduction in frequency and intensity when those areas are addressed directly.
Acupuncture
Chiropractic acupuncture is the art, science and philosophy of treating disease and injury by stimulating specific energy modulating points on the skin and is an approved specialty within the chiropractic profession. Methods of stimulation include, but are not limited to: needle insertion, electrical stimulation, light, heat and pressure. Chiropractic acupuncture treats a wide variety of health conditions, which includes all systems and tissues of the body and focuses special attention to the relationship between the spine, nervous system and the meridian system. Chiropractic acupuncture is inclusive of all diagnostic and therapeutic principles and procedures taught in acupuncture programs sponsored by CCE accredited colleges, chiropractic state associations and post-graduate certified instructors.
Dr. Janell Matz
Book NowFrequently Asked Questions about Dry Needling
They use similar needles but operate from different frameworks. Dry needling is grounded in Western musculoskeletal anatomy and targets trigger points in muscle tissue. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and meridian theory. Dr. Matz uses needling in a clinical, integrative context alongside chiropractic and other therapies.
Most patients experience a brief twitch or dull ache when a trigger point is reached. This typically resolves within a few seconds. Mild muscle soreness for 24 to 48 hours after a session is common and expected.
This varies depending on how long the issue has been present and what else is happening in the musculoskeletal system. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 sessions when needling is combined with chiropractic care. Dr. Matz will outline a plan specific to your presentation at your first visit.
Dry needling is appropriate for patients with myofascial pain, chronic muscle tension, tension-type headaches, restricted movement from muscle guarding, or soft tissue pain related to repetitive strain. It is not appropriate for patients with needle phobia, certain blood thinning medications, or active infection at the treatment site. Dr. Matz will review your full history before recommending it.
Schedule a Dry Needling Consultation in Saint Paul
If you have questions about whether dry needling is appropriate for your situation, your first visit will include a full assessment before any treatment begins.
O'Keefe Matz Chiropractic & Functional Health Clinic
1053 Ashland Ave,Saint Paul, MN
55104 View Staff & Treatments
