What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain by inserting thin, sterile needles directly into trigger points — areas of tight, irritable muscle tissue that contribute to pain and restricted movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neuroscience, targeting specific structures in the musculoskeletal system.
It is commonly used for conditions including neck and back pain, shoulder tension, sciatica, hip tightness, and sports-related muscle injuries. It can also be effective for recurring headaches tied to cervical muscle dysfunction. Patients often seek it out when other approaches have not fully resolved their symptoms, or as part of a broader treatment plan that includes chiropractic care or rehabilitation.
Dry Needling in Elkhorn is designed to help you overcome pain and live your best life.
Dry Needling targets muscle trigger points to relieve tension, reduce pain, and enhance your range of motion. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, muscle stiffness, or sports injuries, our experienced practitioners use fine needles to promote natural healing and provide lasting relief.
Pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but with our personalized treatment plans, we aim to restore your mobility and improve your overall well-being. Experience the benefits of dry needling at Essential Motion Spine and Sport and take the first step towards a pain-free, active lifestyle. Let us help you live without the limitations of pain.
How We Approach Dry Needling at Essential Motion
At Essential Motion Spine & Sport, dry needling is delivered by Dr. Geoff Buchta, DC (Cleveland Chiropractic College, cum laude), Dr. Jake Anderson, DC (Logan University) and Dr. Keaton Hoeke, DC (Cleveland University — Kansas City). Both clinicians hold dedicated dry needling training and integrate it within a broader musculoskeletal assessment framework that includes Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT).
Rather than applying dry needling in isolation, our approach connects it to your overall movement picture: where the restriction originates, how it relates to adjacent joints or tissues, and what rehabilitation exercises will reinforce the gains from treatment. Learn more about our approach.
What to Expect from Dry Needling at Essential Motion
Assessment
Treatment
Recovery
What Dry Needling Can Help With
Dry needling at Essential Motion is used to address:
- Muscle pain and trigger points: Reduces tension in overactive or shortened muscle tissue contributing to local or referred pain.
- Restricted movement: Helps restore range of motion in areas limited by tight musculature, supporting chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation work.
- Sports and activity-related injuries: Addresses muscle overuse patterns in athletes and active patients returning to training.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are distinct practices. Dry needling targets trigger points and musculoskeletal structures based on anatomy and pain science. Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles and works along energy meridians. At Essential Motion, dry needling is performed by licensed chiropractors with specific dry needling training.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during needle insertion. When a needle reaches an active trigger point, a brief involuntary muscle twitch may occur, which can feel like a short cramp or ache. This response typically lasts only a moment. Post-treatment soreness is common for 24 to 48 hours.
This varies depending on your condition and how your body responds. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within two to four sessions. Dry needling is often delivered alongside chiropractic care or rehab exercises for the most sustained outcomes.
Coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm whether dry needling is included in your benefits. Our front desk can assist with any billing questions.
Book Your Dry Needling Appointment
Drs. Anderson, Buchta, and Hoeke are accepting new patients at Essential Motion Spine & Sport in Elkhorn, Nebraska.
If you're dealing with persistent muscle tension, movement restrictions, or a sports-related injury that hasn't fully resolved, dry needling may be a useful addition to your care plan.
