Discover the Benefits of Dry Needling in Virginia Beach
Safe, Effective Muscle Pain Relief at New Life Chiropractic
Are you struggling with chronic muscle tension, trigger points, or pain that just won’t go away? At New Life Chiropractic in Virginia Beach, we offer a powerful solution that’s helping countless patients feel better fast—dry needling.
Although it might sound intimidating, dry needling is actually a gentle, science-based therapy that relieves deep muscular pain, restores movement, and promotes healing. If you’ve been hesitant to try it, you’re not alone—and this page is here to ease your fears, explain how it works, and show why so many of our patients now swear by it.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern, minimally invasive treatment performed by trained healthcare professionals. It involves inserting very thin, sterile, solid filiform needles into specific trigger points or tight bands of muscle tissue to reduce pain and improve function.
These needles don’t inject any medication (hence the term “dry”), and the treatment is targeted to relieve myofascial pain—a common cause of tightness, soreness, and dysfunction.
How Is Dry Needling Different from Acupuncture?
While dry needling and acupuncture may look similar, they’re based on different principles.
Dry needling is grounded in Western medicine, anatomy, and neuroscience.
It focuses on muscular trigger points and biomechanics.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and energy pathways called meridians.
At New Life Chiropractic in Virginia Beach, our focus is therapeutic relief based on clinical findings, helping patients improve function and feel better fast.
A Brief History of Dry Needling
Dry needling has evolved over decades as physical therapists, chiropractors, and sports medicine professionals began using acupuncture needles to release muscle knots and trigger points. The term “dry needling” was coined in the 1980s to distinguish the method from acupuncture.
Since then, extensive clinical research and hands-on results have demonstrated dry needling’s effectiveness for treating pain and improving performance. It’s now widely accepted in the physical therapy and chiropractic worlds—and has become a go-to treatment for athletes, office workers, and chronic pain sufferers alike.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points—tight bands of muscle fibers that can cause local pain or refer pain to other areas. When a fine needle is inserted into one of these points:
It causes a local twitch response—a brief, involuntary contraction of the muscle.
This twitch relaxes the knot and resets the muscle.
Blood flow increases in the area, flushing out inflammatory chemicals and promoting healing.
The nervous system is recalibrated to reduce pain signals and improve mobility.
It’s a simple but powerful mechanism. Many patients feel instant relief—sometimes even after just one session.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help Treat?
Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. At New Life Chiropractic in Virginia Beach, we use dry needling to help patients with:
Tension headaches and migraines
Hip and gluteal pain
Sciatica and nerve entrapments
Tendonitis and tendinopathy
Muscle strains and sports injuries
If you’ve tried stretching, massage, or physical therapy with limited results, dry needling could be the key to unlocking your pain relief.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes! Dry needling is a very safe and well-tolerated procedure when performed by trained professionals like Dr. Mike Geheren and the team at New Life Chiropractic.
We use single-use, sterile needles to ensure safety.
The needles are extremely thin—about the size of a human hair.
Most patients report only a mild pinching sensation, if any.
Any post-treatment soreness is usually mild and short-lived—similar to how you feel after a good workout.
We always take time to explain the process, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
Benefits of Dry Needling: Why Our Virginia Beach Patients Love It
Here’s why so many of our patients request dry needling as part of their treatment plan:
✅ Rapid Pain Relief
Dry needling goes deep into the muscle tissue, directly targeting the source of pain and tension. Many patients report noticeable relief within minutes.
✅ Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
Releasing muscle knots allows your body to move more freely and naturally. This is especially helpful for athletes, active individuals, and anyone with limited mobility.
✅ Drug-Free and Natural
There are no medications involved, making it a perfect option for those looking to avoid pharmaceuticals or who have sensitivities to medication.
✅ Complements Other Treatments
Dry needling works well alongside chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, and rehabilitative exercises—all of which are offered at New Life Chiropractic.
✅ Boosts Healing
By increasing blood flow and disrupting pain signals, dry needling helps your body heal faster and more completely.
Afraid of Needles? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be
We understand that “needling” might not sound appealing—but rest assured, most people find it far less intimidating than expected. In fact:
The needles are extremely thin and flexible—not like a syringe needle.
Most insertions are barely felt or cause only a brief sensation.
There’s no medication, no cutting, and no invasive techniques.
You stay fully clothed (except for the treated area), and we maintain a relaxed, comfortable environment.
Once patients try dry needling, they’re often surprised by how gentle it feels and how quickly it relieves pain.
“I was nervous at first, but Dr. Geheren walked me through everything. It was over before I knew it—and my shoulder pain felt 80% better after just one session!”
– Sarah M., Virginia Beach
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session at New Life Chiropractic
We take great care to provide a comfortable and educational experience.
Consultation & Assessment
We’ll evaluate your condition, identify muscular trigger points, and determine whether dry needling is right for you.Personalized Treatment Plan
Dry needling is often combined with other therapies such as chiropractic care, massage, or cupping for best results.Gentle Needling Procedure
Using sterile, single-use needles, we’ll target key muscles—usually 3–10 insertions per session. The entire process takes 15–30 minutes.Aftercare and Guidance
You may feel a little sore afterward (like after a workout), but most people return to normal activities the same day. We’ll provide you with hydration and recovery tips to maximize results.
How Effective Is Dry Needling?
Clinical research and real-world outcomes speak for themselves:
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic neck and shoulder conditions.
The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes dry needling as an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain.
At New Life Chiropractic, we see consistent, measurable improvements in our patients’ pain levels, flexibility, and quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with an injury, postural strain, or repetitive motion pain, dry needling can be a game-changer.
Ready to Try Dry Needling in Virginia Beach?
Don’t let muscle pain and tension control your life. Dry needling is a safe, effective, and proven therapy that can help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.
At New Life Chiropractic in Virginia Beach, we combine modern techniques with personalized care to help you heal naturally—without drugs or surgery.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Call us at (757)222-0910 to get started.
We’re conveniently located in Virginia Beach and proudly serve the surrounding communities with compassionate, expert care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling
Q: Does dry needling hurt?
A: Most patients feel only a slight pinch or twitch. Some don’t feel anything at all. Any soreness afterward typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This varies depending on your condition, but many people experience relief within 2–4 sessions. Chronic issues may need more.
Q: Is dry needling covered by insurance?
A: Some insurance plans do cover it. We’ll be happy to check your benefits and discuss affordable self-pay options.
Q: Can I combine dry needling with chiropractic care?
A: Absolutely. In fact, combining therapies often leads to faster, more complete healing.
Experience the Difference at New Life Chiropractic
Our team, led by Dr. Mike Geheren, is here to help you break free from pain and move forward with confidence. With advanced techniques like dry needling and a whole-body approach to healing, we’re your trusted partner for natural pain relief in Virginia Beach.
Don’t let fear hold you back—dry needling could be the relief you’ve been waiting for.