Dry Needling in Bartlett, TN

Cost depends on how many areas are treated and how many visits your plan needs, so we quote it after your exam. Your first visit includes a consultation, full chiropractic exam, X-rays if needed and your first adjustment. Cherry and CareCredit financing are available.

No. Both use thin filament needles, but dry needling targets trigger points found during a muscle and movement exam, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine meridians. Dry needling aims to release a specific tight muscle, often as one part of a chiropractic and rehab plan rather than a stand-alone treatment.

Most patients feel little from the needle going in, since it is much thinner than an injection needle. When it reaches a knot you may feel a brief twitch, cramp or deep ache that fades quickly. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common and usually feels like a post-workout ache.

The needling itself usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated. Your full visit may run longer when Dr. Worthington adds an adjustment, soft tissue work or exercise coaching. Your first visit includes a thorough exam and history before any needling begins.

Many patients notice looser, easier movement within 24 to 48 hours, once any post-treatment soreness settles. Longer-lasting change usually builds over several visits as trigger points return less often. Results vary, and doing the home stretches and exercises we give you helps the progress hold.

Most people need several visits rather than one, often spaced about a week apart at first. Fresh knots may respond in a few sessions, while long-standing pain can take longer. Dr. Worthington rechecks your progress at each visit and adjusts the plan, and he will tell you honestly if needling is not helping.

It depends on the knot. Dry needling can reach deep trigger points that hands have trouble releasing, while massage is great for general tension and relaxation. Many patients do well with both. We often combine needling with myofascial release or Graston so each tool handles what it does best.

Adults and athletes with muscle-driven neck, back, shoulder, hip or headache pain are often good candidates, especially if stretching or massage has not given lasting relief. It may not suit people with bleeding disorders, needle phobia, local skin infection or certain health conditions, so every patient is screened first.

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained provider using sterile, single-use needles. Minor bruising and soreness are the most common effects. Serious complications are rare. Dr. Worthington is certified in functional dry needling and screens your health history before treatment to reduce risk.

Drink water, keep moving gently and use heat on sore spots if it feels good. You can usually return to work and daily activity the same day, though it is wise to skip very hard training for the rest of the day. Call us if soreness is severe or does not ease within two days.