Dry Needle Therapy
DRY NEEDLE THERAPY in Alexandria, VA
Myofascial Support, Muscle Balance & Deep Tension Release
Chronic tension, lingering muscle knots, old injuries, and repetitive strain can place ongoing stress on your body. When muscles become tight, irritated, or develop trigger points, they can restrict movement and contribute to pain that shows up in the neck, shoulders, low back, hips, or jaw. Many individuals seek care from the best chiropractor in Alexandria, VA, when incorporating dry needling as part of a comprehensive approach to muscle tension and recovery.
At Kelayi Chiropractic & Wellness Boutique in Old Town Alexandria, Dr. Betel Aklilu offers gentle, evidence-informed dry needling to support healing, decrease muscle guarding, and restore natural mobility helping your nervous system and musculoskeletal system work together again. Dry needling in Alexandria, VA, is often paired with chiropractic care to help release trigger points, support muscle function, and improve mobility.​​​​
Why Choose Dry Needling at Kelayi Chiropractic
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile needles to release trigger points commonly known as “knots” in tight or irritated muscle tissue. These knots can form from stress, overuse, posture changes, athletic training, pregnancy, or old injuries that never fully resolved.
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Patients choose dry needling in Northern Virginia because it helps:
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- Reduce deep muscle tension
- Improve circulation and tissue healing
- Relieve stubborn knots and trigger points
- Restore mobility and flexibility
- Support posture and movement patterns
- Reduce pain caused by stress or chronic tightness
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​Dry needling works beautifully alongside chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and soft tissue work, offering a powerful combination for whole-body relief.
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Dry needling can be helpful for many common concerns, including:
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- Neck pain and shoulder tightness
- Low back pain or hip tension
- Sciatica and nerve-related discomfort
- TMJ and jaw tightness
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries or repetitive strain
- Posture-related muscle fatigue
- Upper-back and rib tightness
- Glute tightness or piriformis syndrome
How Dry Needling Works
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Dry needling is based on anatomy, neurology, and biomechanics. When a needle is gently inserted into a trigger point, it creates a small, controlled micro-stimulation that helps:
- Reset dysfunctional muscle fibers
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve blood flow
- Calm overactive nerve endings
- Release long-standing tension and guarding
Reference: Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) and NIH supports dry needling as an effective treatment for myofascial trigger points and musculoskeletal pain.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
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Your appointment begins with a thoughtful conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle, and movement patterns. Dr. Aklilu identifies the areas of muscle tension contributing to your discomfort and develops a customized care plan.
A session may include:
- Gentle needle insertion into the trigger point
- Soft tissue release techniques
- Light stretching to support mobility
- Chiropractic adjustments (if helpful for alignment)
- Guidance for at-home care
Patients often describe the experience as restful, relieving, and deeply restorative.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
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Yes. Dry needling is a safe, minimally invasive technique performed with sterile, single-use needles. The pressure is gentle and highly targeted. Most patients notice improved movement and reduced tension shortly after treatment.
Your body is already doing incredible work. With gentle, encouraging care from a skilled prenatal chiropractor in Northern Virginia, you can move through the prenatal period with more comfort, confidence, and balance. Dr. Aklilu is here to support your pregnancy journey every step of the way. Book online or call us at 703-518-7936 to prepare your body, your pelvis, and your nervous system for a more easeful birth experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is dry needling painful? Most people feel only mild pressure or a quick twitch response as the muscle releases. How is dry needling different from acupuncture? While both use thin needles, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and targets specific muscular trigger points, not energy meridians. How many sessions will I need? Many people feel relief quickly, though chronic patterns may require several visits for long-term change. Can dry needling help with headaches or TMJ? Yes. Releasing tension in the jaw, neck, and upper-back muscles often significantly reduces symptoms. Can I combine dry needling with chiropractic or massage? Absolutely—this combination supports muscle balance and helps adjustments hold longer.