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Dry Needling in Salisbury, MD

Thin, sterile needles release tight muscle trigger points to relieve pain and restore movement.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, solid needles inserted into specific muscle trigger points: the tight, tender knots that refer pain and limit movement.

This approach relieves pain, enhances muscle function, and promotes deep relaxation. The needles resemble acupuncture needles but contain no medication, which is why it’s called “dry” needling. It is a proven, effective treatment for muscle and myofascial pain, chronic pain conditions, TMJ disorders, and tension-type headaches.

At Dickson Physical Therapy, dry needling is always one part of a complete plan that also includes hands-on manual therapy and targeted exercise, so the relief you feel lasts.

Dry needling can help with

  • Neck, shoulder, and upper-back pain
  • Low back and hip pain
  • Tension-type headaches
  • TMJ and jaw pain
  • Myofascial pain and muscle trigger points
  • Chronic pain conditions

Dry Needling photos

  • Dry needling treatment at Dickson Physical Therapy in Salisbury, MD
  • Therapist preparing a dry needling treatment
  • Dry needling session in the Dickson Physical Therapy clinic
  • Close-up of dry needling on the low back

Patient Stories

What Our Patients Say

Rated 5.0 stars on Google from 36+ patient reviews.

  • Google review

    “Dr. Dickson is the best physical therapist I have worked with in a very long time. I couldn’t be more impressed. From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable and at ease with Tanya’s warm and caring attitude. Her staff are the same, joyful attitudes all around! Dr. Dickson took the time to thoroughly examine me, explain my condition and treatment plan. She made a point of asking me my goals and concerns and even ensured I understood the deeper reason why my injury may be reoccurring and ways in which I can overcome it, which made me feel informed and empowered. My past experiences with physical therapist have been ok but I seem to always hit a wall and never progressed past my injury in order to return to activities that I like to do (running, volleyball, etc). With Tanya, I’ve noticed significant improvements in my mobility, reduced pain levels and have been progressing towards my ultimate activity goals like running. Her dry needle therapy was an additional treatment that helps tremendously. Her ability to customize my treatment plan to address my specific needs has been invaluable. Dr. Dickson explains all options of treatment and allows me to choose what is best for me. I would highly recommend Dr. Tanya Dickson to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate physical therapist.”

    Kimberly Braxton
  • Google review

    “Dr. Dickson is truly 5+ stars! She has put me back together more than once. Her tailored treatment plan along with education, helped me understand the healing process. Her recommendation and execution of her specialized treatment plan for dry needling allowed my healing to progress much quicker. She is kind and caring which make my visits less stressful.”

    Amy Gonzales
  • Google review

    “I came to Tanya with runners knee I had been dealing with for a few months. She gave me some exercises and recommended dry needling. I have had very minimal knee pain ever since! Highly recommend!”

    Alyssa Rink

FAQ

Dry Needling FAQs

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No. Both use thin needles, but dry needling is based on Western anatomy and targets specific muscle trigger points to relieve pain and improve movement. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Does dry needling hurt?

Most people feel very little when the needle goes in. When it reaches a trigger point you may feel a brief twitch or deep ache, which is a normal sign the muscle is releasing. Mild soreness for a day or so afterward is common.

Who performs dry needling at your clinic?

Dry needling is performed by Dr. Tanya Dickson, a board-certified orthopedic specialist and Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT).

Ready to Feel Better?

Call either of our Salisbury locations or request an appointment online. We’ll help you check your insurance and find a time that works.

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