Dry needling in Charlotte. The fastest way out of a knot you can't stretch out.
Not acupuncture. Not painful. The most underused tool in chiropractic.
What it actually does
Dry needling is not acupuncture. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and energy meridians. Dry needling is based on Western anatomy and targets specific trigger points — tight, hypersensitive bands within a muscle that refer pain elsewhere. The needle creates a 'twitch response' that resets the muscle's firing pattern. The result is usually immediate release of a knot that stretching, foam rolling, and massage couldn't reach.
Dr. Britt's take
"I use dry needling in roughly 60% of my cases for active women. It's the single most underused tool in chiropractic. Most people are afraid of it because of the needle. Most people who've done it say the same thing: 'Why didn't I try this sooner?'"
When I use it
Upper trap tension headaches
Two or three needles in the sub-occipitals and upper traps. Most patients feel relief within 24 hours.
Post-Pilates hip flexor restriction
The psoas is almost impossible to release with manual therapy. Dry needling is often the only thing that works.
Stubborn calf tightness in runners
When the calf won't release no matter how much stretching and rolling — dry needling at the trigger point, two visits.
What to expect
The needle is thin — much thinner than a blood-draw needle. You may feel a twitch response, which is a brief involuntary muscle contraction — that's what we're looking for. Soreness for 12–24 hours after is normal. Most patients feel significant release within one session.
Pricing: Dry needling is included in the $75 adjustment + bodywork visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients describe it as a deep pressure sensation rather than pain. The twitch response can feel like a muscle cramp for half a second. It's brief.
Is it the same as acupuncture?
No. Same tool, completely different theory and application.
How many sessions do I need?
Usually 1–3. Dry needling is meant to reset a muscle, not maintain a dependency.
Is it safe?
Yes. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. I use single-use sterile needles.