{"id":5395,"date":"2026-09-01T15:30:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T20:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/wellness\/?page_id=5395"},"modified":"2026-09-08T09:09:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T14:09:50","slug":"dry-needling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/wellness\/medical\/dry-needling\/","title":{"rendered":"Dry Needling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"lead-in wp-block-paragraph\">Dry needling is a treatment performed by a trained healthcare provider that uses very thin, sterile needles to treat painful muscles, trigger points (muscle knots), and movement dysfunction. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help muscles function normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-dry-needling-at-shaw\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dry Needling at SHAW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Student Health and Wellness Center now offers dry needling services for UWM students. <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/wellness\/eligibility-costs\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1265\">Students who are eligible for SHAW services<\/a> can schedule an appointment. No referral is required, and students can schedule by calling 414-229-SHAW (7429). Your provider will determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initial visit for dry needling at SHAW is $25. Follow up visits cost $10. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\"><strong>Does dry needling hurt?<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most people tolerate dry needling very well. You may feel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A brief pinch when the needle is inserted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A muscle twitch (which is often a good sign that the trigger point has been reached)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mild soreness afterward, similar to what you might feel after a workout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\"><strong>What conditions can dry needling help treat?<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dry needling may help with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Neck pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Back pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shoulder pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hip pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knee pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle strains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sports injuries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches caused by muscle tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle tightness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overuse injuries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited flexibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic muscle pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle spasms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tendon pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jaw (TMJ) muscle pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">How does dry needling work?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The needle stimulates tight or irritated muscles and trigger points. This can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduce muscle tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve blood flow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decrease pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve range of motion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help muscles heal more efficiently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although both treatments use thin needles, they are based on different principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dry Needling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Based on modern anatomy and medical research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Targets muscles and trigger points<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used to treat pain and movement problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acupuncture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focuses on balancing energy pathways (meridians)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used for a variety of medical and wellness conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">How long does a treatment take? <\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most appointments last <strong>20\u201330 minutes<\/strong>, depending on the condition being treated.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">How many treatments will I need?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This varies depending on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your injury<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long you&#8217;ve had symptoms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your activity level<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How your body responds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many students notice improvement after <strong>1\u20133 treatments<\/strong>, while chronic conditions may require additional visits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">What should I expect after treatment?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Immediate pain relief<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mild muscle soreness for 24\u201348 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A feeling similar to having exercised the treated muscles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drinking water and staying gently active often helps reduce soreness.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Are there any side effects?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common side effects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Temporary muscle soreness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mild bruising<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small amount of bleeding at the needle site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue for the remainder of the day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Serious complications are very rare when dry needling is performed by a trained healthcare provider.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Who should NOT receive dry needling?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dry needling may not be appropriate if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have certain bleeding disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take blood-thinning medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have an active skin infection over the treatment area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have significant needle anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are unable to provide informed consent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your provider will review your medical history before treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Is dry needling safe?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dry needling is considered very safe when performed by a licensed healthcare provider who has received specialized training and follows sterile technique.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">What should I wear to an appointment?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the painful area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shorts for hip or knee pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tank top for shoulder pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Athletic clothing is ideal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Can I exercise afterward?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Light activity is encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the treated muscles feel sore, consider avoiding intense exercise involving those muscles until the soreness improves (usually within 24 hours).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Can dry needling be combined with other treatments?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dry needling often works best when combined with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stretching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home exercise programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Massage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ergonomic changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good sleep and hydration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dry needling is a treatment performed by a trained healthcare provider that uses very thin, sterile needles to treat painful muscles, trigger points (muscle knots), and movement dysfunction. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help muscles function &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35775,"featured_media":0,"parent":55,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"class_list":["post-5395","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uwm_unpublish_requested":false,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.4 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Student Health and Wellness Center<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about dry needling at UWM SHAW, including benefits, treatment options, costs, eligibility, and scheduling.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/wellness\/medical\/dry-needling\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Dry Needling\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn about dry needling at UWM SHAW, including benefits, treatment options, costs, eligibility, and scheduling.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/wellness\/medical\/dry-needling\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Student Health and Wellness Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-08T14:09:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/wellness\\\/medical\\\/dry-needling\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/wellness\\\/medical\\\/dry-needling\\\/\",\"name\":\"Dry Needling - 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