Trigger point dry needling is an evidence-based technique for treating pain, muscle tension, and movement dysfunction. When a knot won't release with stretching, massage, or exercise, a precisely-placed needle often can. At TORQ, dry needling is performed exclusively by Dr. Alex Miscannon, DPT, one of the first Myopain-certified therapists in New Jersey.
Dry needling uses a thin, solid filament needle — the same kind used in acupuncture, but that's where the similarity ends — inserted through the skin into a specific muscle or fascial band. It's called "dry" because nothing is injected: no medication, no anesthetic, no fluid of any kind. The needle itself is the treatment.
The technique targets what clinicians call myofascial trigger points, better known as muscle knots. Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots inside a taut band of muscle that generate local pain and often referred pain in a predictable pattern. When a needle contacts a trigger point, it triggers a small involuntary twitch of the muscle fiber, releasing the knot and interrupting the pain signal at its source.
It's often the most direct route to a knot that hasn't responded to hands-on work, stretching, or exercise. When manual trigger point therapy is like reaching the knot from the outside, dry needling is like reaching it from the inside.
Based on the concept of energy meridians. Needles are placed at specific points along these meridians to restore energy balance. Practiced by licensed acupuncturists trained in Eastern medicine.
Based on modern anatomy and neurophysiology. Needles are placed directly into muscle trigger points to release tension and reduce pain. Practiced by licensed physical therapists with advanced certification.
They use similar tools but they are fundamentally different treatments with different goals, different training paths, and different clinical rationales.
New Jersey legalized dry needling for physical therapists in 2021. Our founder, Dr. Alex Miscannon, DPT, completed his full Myopain Seminars certification the week before the law took effect — one of the first therapists in the state qualified to perform dry needling on the day it became legal. Alex personally performs every dry needling session at TORQ, so when you book, you're being treated by the practice's founder and its most experienced needling clinician. Meet Dr. Alex.
Direct release of trigger points interrupts the pain-tension cycle at its source. Patients often feel meaningful relief within one or two sessions.
Chronic tightness that hasn't responded to stretching or massage often releases quickly once the underlying trigger point is deactivated.
The local response to the needle brings fresh blood flow to the tissue, supporting recovery and reducing the local inflammation that maintains knots.
Releasing tight bands and trigger points frees up the joint and muscle to move through their full range again, often immediately after treatment.
Trigger points in the neck, jaw, and upper back are common (and underdiagnosed) contributors to chronic headaches and migraines. Dry needling can reduce both frequency and intensity.
Faster recovery from training loads, reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness, and better movement quality between sessions.
Dry needling is especially effective when pain is driven by muscle trigger points — often the case with chronic tension, overuse injuries, and pain that lingers after other treatments have plateaued.
Most patients are more anxious about dry needling before the first session than they are during or after. Here's what actually happens.
The needle is thin — much thinner than one used to draw blood — so most patients feel little to no discomfort when it enters the skin.
When the needle reaches an active trigger point, you may feel a brief twitch or cramp-like sensation. It's quick, and it's a sign the technique is working.
Some patients feel immediate relief. Others experience mild soreness like after a hard workout, resolving in 24–48 hours. Water, gentle movement, and heat all help.
Medicare does not typically reimburse dry needling as a standalone service, and commercial insurance coverage varies significantly by plan. In many cases, dry needling is best offered as a self-pay service, which we price transparently and discuss with you before treatment begins.
We'll run a free eligibility check on your specific benefits before your first session so you always know exactly what to expect. Call us at (856) 360-5630 or ask us during your evaluation.
Dry needling is often the answer for the pain and tension patients thought they'd have to live with. Here's what patients typically experience through a course of treatment:
Rated 5.0 stars with over 250 Google reviews. Here's what two of our patients have shared about their dry needling experience.
"Today Dr. Alex treated my lumbar spine with dry needling & electrical stimulation, followed by cool gel & taping. I struggle with chronic pain 24/7. When our session was over I felt so much relief! It's a miracle to me how gifted Dr. Al, Kim & all the staff at Torq are. I have been in & out of pt for almost 20 years & Torq is by far the best, most innovative & effective pt I've encountered."Johanna V.Chronic Lumbar Pain · 20 Years of PT Experience
"TORQ Physical Therapy has changed my life. I am currently being treated with trigger point therapy, dry needling & massage. Before TORQ, for years I had been living with chronic pain at a level of 7-8 almost every day... After my first treatment session, I had so much relief I couldn't stop crying. I now travel to Riverton from Newport as often as I'm able. The trigger point therapy and dry needling has completely changed my performance at work as well as decreased my pain significantly. TORQ has essentially given me my life back."Kate R.Chronic Pain · Travels From Newport, RI
Under New Jersey Direct Access, you can be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist without a doctor's referral. Skip the extra appointment. Start feeling better sooner.
Every session is delivered by a licensed clinician, one patient at a time, with a treatment plan calibrated to your specific body and goals.
We also offer manual trigger point therapy — the same principle delivered with hands instead of needles.
Dry needling at TORQ is precise, evidence-based, and performed by Dr. Alex Miscannon, one of the first Myopain-certified therapists in New Jersey. When a knot won't budge, this is often the answer.