Back pain & sciatica
Low back spasms and tight glutes and piriformis that pinch the sciatic nerve.
Trigger point dry needling · North Waterfront & Telegraph Hill
Dry Needling in San Francisco for Muscle Pain, Knots & Sports Injuries
Release stubborn trigger points, ease back, neck and shoulder pain, and move freely again. At TruSpine, dry needling is performed by licensed acupuncturists who specialize in orthopedic and sports needling, as part of a care plan built around your body.
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California-licensed acupuncturists
Sterile, single-use needles
Performed by
Licensed acupuncturists
First visit
60 min, treatment included
Follow-up visits
50 minutes
Downtime
None
How it works
What is trigger point dry needling?
Trigger points are tight, knotted bands of muscle that cause local pain, refer pain elsewhere and limit how you move. Dry needling places a very thin, sterile filament needle directly into that knot. The muscle often responds with a brief twitch, then lets go: tension drops and range of motion improves, often right away.
It's called "dry" because nothing is injected. The needle itself does the work.
A 2005 Cochrane review of 35 trials found acupuncture and dry needling helpful for chronic low back pain, especially when combined with other therapies. That's why we pair dry needling with chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue work like Active Release Technique and Graston, and corrective exercise.
Benefits of dry needling
- Less muscle pain and tenderness
- Better range of motion, often immediately
- Releases knots and built-up muscle tension
- Helps reset normal resting muscle tone
- Calms local inflammation in the tissue
- Faster recovery and better athletic performance
Conditions we treat
What can dry needling help with?
From desk-job neck pain to marathon training injuries, these are the problems San Franciscans most often see us for.
Neck pain & tension headaches
"Tech neck," stiff traps and headaches that start at the base of the skull.
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff tightness, impingement and limited overhead reach.
Tennis & golfer's elbow
Forearm overload from sport, lifting or hours at the keyboard.
Hip, glute & knee pain
Tight hip flexors, IT band tension and runner's knee.
Plantar fasciitis & Achilles pain
Heel pain and tight calves. Often paired with shockwave therapy and custom orthotics.
Sports injuries, strains & sprains
Faster return to training after strains and overuse injuries, alongside shockwave or laser therapy.
Pelvic floor pain
Specialized pelvic floor dry needling for tight, painful pelvic and hip muscles.
Whiplash & car accident injuries
Guarded, painful neck and upper-back muscles after an accident.
Muscle knots & chronic tension
Trigger points that other treatments alone haven't been able to release.
TMJ & jaw pain
Trigger points in the masseter and temporalis that drive jaw pain, clicking and temple headaches. See our TMJ treatment page.
Who performs your treatment
Dry needling by licensed acupuncturists
Needling skill matters. At TruSpine, dry needling is performed only by our California-licensed acupuncturists.
Gabi Curbelo, MSOM, L.Ac. is a nationally certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and a former competitive athlete who specializes in sports acupuncture and orthopedic and pelvic floor dry needling.
Dr. Jennifer Drake, DACM, L.Ac. holds a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine and is a functional medicine practitioner specializing in orthopedic acupuncture and pain management.
They work side by side with our chiropractors, so your dry needling is coordinated with adjustments, soft-tissue therapy and the exercises that keep pain from coming back.
What to expect
Your first dry needling appointment
- 01
Consult & exam
We talk through your pain, test your movement and find the trigger points behind it. Your first visit is 60 minutes.
- 02
Treatment, same day
Thin, sterile, single-use needles go into the tight spots. You may feel a quick twitch or deep ache, then release.
- 03
Combined care
Often paired with soft-tissue work, cupping, acupuncture, chiropractic or corrective exercises for longer-lasting results.
- 04
Aftercare
Expect mild soreness for a day or two. Keep moving, hydrate, and ice if needed. Follow-ups are 50 minutes.
Dry needling vs. acupuncture
Dry needling and acupuncture use the same fine needles, but the approach is different. Here's how they compare. We offer both, so we'll recommend what fits.
| Dry needling | Acupuncture | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Western, muscle-focused | Traditional Chinese medicine |
| Targets | Trigger points & knots | Meridian points |
| Best for | Muscle pain, sports injuries | Pain, stress, sleep, whole-body health |
| Reaches deep knots | Yes, directly | Sometimes |
| Feels like | Quick twitch, deep ache | Light tingling, calm |
Safety
Is dry needling safe?
In trained hands, dry needling is very low risk. We use only sterile, single-use needles that are disposed of after each use. The most common side effects are mild soreness, small bruises or a drop of bleeding at the needle site, usually gone within a day or two.
Let us know if you're pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, a pacemaker or a fear of needles. We'll adjust your treatment or suggest an alternative.
Dry needling FAQs
Where can I get dry needling in San Francisco?
TruSpine offers trigger point dry needling at our 150 Lombard Street clinic in Telegraph Hill, near North Beach and the Financial District, performed by licensed acupuncturists Gabi Curbelo, MSOM, L.Ac. and Dr. Jennifer Drake, DACM, L.Ac. See our 150 Lombard Street location, book online or call (415) 421-1115.
Does dry needling hurt?
The needles are very thin, so most people barely feel them go in. When the needle reaches a trigger point you may feel a quick twitch or a deep, dull ache for a moment. That's the muscle releasing. Mild soreness afterward, like after a workout, is normal and fades within a day or two.
What's the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Both use the same fine, sterile needles. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that uses points along the body's meridians to treat a wide range of health concerns. Dry needling is a Western, muscle-focused technique that targets trigger points to relieve pain and restore movement. Our licensed acupuncturists are trained in both.
How many dry needling sessions will I need?
Many patients notice easier movement after the first session. A new, acute problem may need only a few visits, while long-standing pain usually needs a short series combined with other care. We'll recommend a plan after your exam.
What does dry needling help with?
Dry needling is most often used for back pain, sciatica, neck pain, tension headaches, shoulder pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, hip and knee pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, sports injuries, whiplash and stubborn muscle knots.
Is dry needling safe? What are the side effects?
Yes, when performed by a trained, licensed provider using sterile, single-use needles. Common side effects are mild soreness, small bruises or minor bleeding at the needle site. Serious complications are rare. Tell us if you're pregnant, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder so we can adjust your care.
How long does a dry needling appointment take?
Your first visit is 60 minutes and includes a consultation, an exam and your first treatment. Follow-up appointments are 50 minutes, giving plenty of time for dry needling plus complementary care.
What should I do after dry needling?
Stay gently active, drink plenty of water and ice the area if it feels sore. Most people go straight back to work. We'll let you know when it's fine to return to hard training.
Can dry needling be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes, and that's one of TruSpine's strengths. Releasing tight muscles with dry needling often makes chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue therapy and corrective exercises more effective, so results last longer.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Loose, comfortable clothing that lets us reach the area being treated, like shorts for legs or a tank top for shoulders and neck. Eat a light meal beforehand.
Ready to release the knot for good?
Book dry needling in San Francisco with our licensed acupuncturists. Your first visit includes a full exam and treatment.
Individual results vary. Dry needling at TruSpine is performed by licensed acupuncturists. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.