A form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points (painful knots in muscles), tendons, ligaments, or near nerves in order to stimulate a healing response in painful musculoskeletal conditions. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle.  Dry needling is NOT acupuncture or Eastern Medicine.  In fact, dry needling is a modern, science-based intervention for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and low back pain.  Dry needling can be performed during a physical therapy session or can be a stand-alone service.