Is dry needling safe?
Yes! Minor side effects like lightheadedness, bruising, and muscle soreness can happen, but these are temporary and do not occur in all cases. Only single-use, sterilized, disposable needles are used.

What you can expect
Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to assess your condition. If your provider feels dry needling would be an appropriate intervention, they will include it in your treatment plan. Dry needling may or may not occur at your first session based on available time.

Following treatment, you may notice bruising and/or muscle soreness similar to the day after a workout. This does not last long, and we encourage you to perform your normal daily activities and follow through with the exercises prescribed.

Is this a covered service?
At this time, dry needling is not a covered service by the majority of insurance companies. Because this is a non-covered service, you will be asked to sign a non-covered services form, indicating that you are aware of the insurance non-coverage and your agreement to be responsible for the charges. If your insurance does reimburse for the charges, your out of pocket expenses will follow your insurance contracts.  

There are 2 dry needling codes (the appropriate code will be billed to your insurance):

• 20560 – Needle insertion(s) without injection(s), 1 or 2 muscle(s) and
• 20561 – Needle insertion(s) without injection(s), 3 or more muscle(s).

Related services

SPECIAL SPORTS AND MOVEMENT SPECIFIC REHABILITATION

Sports-specific rehabilitation services offer athletes advanced rehabilitation options. Some of our many programs include: 

Running Program — injury prevention and treatment for runners.

Throwers’ Program — injury prevention and treatment for athletes in sports that emphasize overhead motion, including baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming.

Cycle-Fit Program — injury prevention and treatment for road and off-road cyclists.

Back and Neck Physical Therapy — treatment for people with low back and neck concerns.

Golf Program — injury prevention and treatment for golfers.

Adult and Pediatric Pelvic Health Programs — unique care for all ages and genders with pelvic health concerns. 

Dance Program — injury prevention and treatment for dancers and other performing artists.

Next Step Program — advanced rehabilitation for return to high-intensity sport.