Dry Needling in North Raleigh

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 Dry needling uses a thin, solid needle to release tight muscle "knots" (trigger points) and ease pain. Dr. Askeland, a licensed acupuncturist, and Dr. Lintz, who holds Master Dry Needling certifications (Parts 1 and 2), both perform dry needling at Askeland Chiropractic in North Raleigh. Call (919) 841-0081 to book.

• Desk workers: neck, shoulder and upper back tightness from long hours at a screen
• Athletes and weekend warriors: muscle strains, tendon pain, tennis and golfer's elbow
• Moms and caregivers: upper back, neck and wrist overuse from lifting and carrying
• Heel and foot pain: including plantar fasciitis

• Overall: A 2023 review of 36 systematic reviews found dry needling reduced short-term pain more than sham or no treatment, and about as well as other treatments. Evidence on mid- and long-term effects is limited.
• Neck pain: A 2023 meta-analysis supports dry needling for chronic neck pain at short and mid-term follow-up. No serious adverse effects were reported.
• Low back pain: A 2023 meta-analysis supports dry needling for short-term pain relief. It found no evidence of improved disability.
• Heel pain: A 2021 meta-analysis found positive effects for plantar heel pain, though the authors advise caution because few trials exist.

The takeaway: dry needling can reduce pain in the short term, and the evidence for longer-term effects is still limited.

1. History and exam. Every session starts with your history and an examination to confirm dry needling is clinically appropriate for you.
2. Private treatment room. If it's appropriate, we take you to a private room and use acupuncture needles to treat the area of your specific complaint.
3. A plan matched to you. The number of needles and the technique vary with the type of tissue and your diagnosis.
4. About 15 minutes. A typical treatment lasts about 15 minutes.
5. Afterward. Soreness is typical and usually lasts 24 to 72 hours.

What is dry needling?
Dry needling involves inserting a thin filament needle into soft tissues (muscle trigger points, fascia, tendons and ligaments) to relieve pain.

What is a trigger point?
A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in a skeletal muscle, often felt as a tender "knot." It can be painful where it sits and can also refer pain to other areas in predictable patterns.

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is based on modern neuroanatomy and the scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, not on traditional Chinese medicine theory. Both use the same tool: a solid needle filament.

Does it hurt?
Usually you don't feel the needle going in. A brief "twitch response" can cause a tingling, aching or cramping sensation.

Are there side effects?
Mild muscle soreness or skin bruising is typical.

Chiropractor or physical therapist for dry needling?
Either can be a good option. The most important factor is a provider with proper training who tailors the plan to you.

Book your visit: (919) 841-0081 [button: Schedule Appointment]

Last updated: October 2026

Sources: Chys et al., J Clin Med 2023 · Lara-Palomo et al., Altern Ther Health Med 2023 · Hernández-Secorún et al., Pain Res Manag 2023 · Kietrys et al., JOSPT 2013 · Llurda-Almuzara et al., Pain Med 2021