What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a targeted medical technique used to treat myofascial trigger points — areas of dysfunctional muscle tissue that contribute to pain, weakness, and restricted movement.

A sterile, single-use filiform needle is inserted into the affected muscle to restore normal muscle tension and neuromuscular function.

This is not acupuncture.

Dry needling is based on Western anatomy, neurophysiology, and movement science.
 

Conditions We Treat with Dry Needling:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Hip pain
• Tendonitis
• Sports injuries
 

The objective is clear:
• Reduce pain
• Improve mobility
• Restore strength
• Improve tissue quality
 
Dr. Jason Avakian has been performing dry needling since 2008 and has completed over 32,000 treatments.

Why Experience Matters:
Dry needling is highly technique-dependent. Placement. Depth. Angle. Tissue response.

Clinical judgment improves with repetition.

Over 18+ years of daily dry needling practice allows for:
• Greater anatomical precision
• Reduced risk
• More efficient treatment
• Better integration with movement correction

When someone is inserting a needle into muscle tissue, experience is not optional.

It directly impacts outcome.



Trusted by Competitive Athletes and Active Adults
Back to Overhead Lifting After 3 Years

“I was unable to perform overhead snatches for nearly three years due to persistent shoulder pain. After two sessions of targeted dry needling and corrective exercise, I returned to moderate overhead lifting without pain.” — E.K., CrossFitter

Returned to Training After Severe Shoulder Injury

“Following a bicycle crash, I had severe shoulder pain and limited mobility. After evaluation and dry needling treatment, I experienced significant improvement immediately and returned to training quickly.” — J.L., Professional Triathlete

Completed Ironman Pain-Free

“I struggled with debilitating low back pain during the bike leg of multiple Ironman races despite seeing multiple providers. After targeted treatment and movement correction, I completed Ironman Boulder without back pain.” — S.H., Professional Triathlete

What Makes This Different?
Many clinics offer dry needling as an isolated modality.

At Kinetic, treatment includes:
• Full movement assessment
• Identification of the underlying dysfunction
• Precise trigger point targeting
• Immediate corrective exercise integration

Dry needling alone often provides temporary relief.

Dry needling combined with movement retraining produces lasting change.

Kinetic is the only Physical Therapy clinic in Scottsdale built inside a real gym — allowing seamless transition from treatment to strength.

What Does It Feel Like?

The needles used in dry needling are extremely thin — significantly thinner than injection needles.

Most patients report minimal sensation during insertion.

When the needle contacts a dysfunctional muscle band, a brief twitch response may occur. This is a normal neuromuscular reaction and often indicates effective treatment.

After treatment, the area may feel similar to post-exercise soreness for 24–48 hours.

Most patients describe the experience as easier than expected.
Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes — when performed by a properly trained Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced anatomical knowledge.

At Kinetic:
• 27 years of clinical experience
• 18+ years of daily dry needling practice
• 32,000+ treatments performed
• Sterile, single-use needles
• 1-on-1 private care

The most common side effects include:
• Mild soreness
• Minor bruising
• Temporary tenderness

Serious complications are rare and minimized through anatomical precision and clinical judgment. Your safety is always prioritized.

Conditions Commonly Treated Dry needling is often effective for:
• Shoulder pain
• Elbow pain (tennis/golfer’s elbow)
• Chronic neck tension/pain
• Low back tightness/pain
• Hip and glute pain
• Persistent trigger points
• Activity-related cramping
If stretching, massage, or traditional therapy have provided only temporary relief, trigger point dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms.

What to Expect at Your First Visit Your 60-minute evaluation includes:
• Comprehensive movement assessment
• Identification of trigger points
• Targeted dry needling (if appropriate)
• Immediate corrective exercise
• Clear treatment plan No rushed appointments.

No unnecessary visits. No insurance restrictions dictating care. Just a direct path back to training without pain.

Ready to Get Out of Pain?

If you’re searching for dry needling in Scottsdale, you’re likely looking for precise, effective care.

When precision matters, experience matters!
 





Kinetic Sports & Spine Physical Therapy
Scottsdale, AZ