What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a proven therapy that uses thin, sterile acupuncture needles to release tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain. It targets “trigger points” (the tight knots you can feel in your muscles) and encourages your body’s natural healing response.
In California, dry needling is legally considered acupuncture — which means only licensed acupuncturists (and certain doctors) can perform it.
What Can Dry Needling Treat?
Dry needling is one of the most effective techniques for releasing tight, painful muscles and restoring natural movement. Using fine, sterile acupuncture needles, we deactivate “trigger points” — the tight knots in your muscles that can cause pain, stiffness, and referred discomfort throughout the body.
By improving blood flow, calming overactive nerve signals, and promoting tissue repair, dry needling helps your body heal faster and move more freely.
Conditions We Commonly Treat with Dry Needling
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Sports injuries & athletic recovery – pulls, sprains, overuse injuries
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Repetitive stress injuries – from computer work, texting, gaming, or manual labor
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Chronic muscle pain & tension – neck, back, shoulders, hips, calves, and more
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Headaches & migraines – including tension headaches from tight shoulders & neck
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Jaw pain & TMJ dysfunction – reducing tension in the jaw, temples, and face
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Plantar fasciitis & foot pain – easing heel pain and improving mobility
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Postural imbalances – releasing the knots that hold your body in poor alignment
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Muscle strains & tightness – hamstrings, forearms, calves, etc.
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Nerve compression issues – pinched nerves, sciatica, or tingling sensations
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Fibromyalgia & chronic pain syndromes – reducing flare-ups and increasing comfort
What to Expect in Your Session
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Assessment – We’ll discuss your pain, movement, and goals.
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Targeted Treatment – Gentle insertion of fine needles into key trigger points.
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Release & Relief – Muscles reset, tension softens, and circulation improves.
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Integration – Optional stretches, self-care tips, and follow-up guidance.
Sessions are typically 30–60 minutes and tailored to your needs.
Who Benefits from Dry Needling?
Athletes. Desk workers. Parents. Weekend warriors. Anyone dealing with pain, tightness, or movement limitations can benefit from dry needling — especially when performed by a licensed acupuncturist who understands both the anatomy and the traditional principles behind this work.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Every body is unique, so treatment plans vary — but here’s what most patients can expect:
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Acute issues (like a recent strain or sports injury) often improve noticeably within 1–3 sessions.
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Chronic conditions (like long-term back or neck pain, TMJ, or fibromyalgia) may require 4–6 sessions to fully reset the body and hold lasting results.
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Many patients choose to schedule maintenance sessions every few weeks or months to prevent recurrence and keep muscles flexible.
Typical course: 1–2 sessions per week for 3–4 weeks, followed by re-evaluation and an adjusted plan.
→ Your treatment plan will always be tailored to your needs, your comfort, and your goals.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture:
What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions we get — and the answer is both simple and surprising.
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The Technique: Both acupuncture and dry needling use the same sterile, hair-thin needles and target points on the body.
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The Law: In California, the state law defines dry needling as acupuncture. Only licensed acupuncturists (and certain physicians) are legally permitted to perform it.
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The Language: “Dry needling” is a Western medical term for a very focused, orthopedic style of acupuncture — often aimed at trigger points, sports injuries, and muscle tension.
→ Bottom line: Dry needling is acupuncture — but when you work with a licensed acupuncturist like Dr. Jaz Roemer L.Ac., DACM, you get both the orthopedic precision and the deeper holistic understanding that comes with thousands of hours of acupuncture training.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling in San Diego
1. What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile acupuncture needles to target trigger points (tight “knots” in muscles) and relieve pain, tension, or dysfunction.
It’s commonly used for sports injuries, back and neck pain, tension headaches, and chronic muscle tightness.
2. Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
Yes — in California, dry needling is legally considered acupuncture. The technique, the tools, and the points being targeted are the same.
The only difference is often in terminology:
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Acupuncture traditionally addresses both physical and energetic imbalances.
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Dry needling is often marketed for musculoskeletal pain relief — but uses the same acupuncture needles.
3. Who is allowed to perform dry needling in California?
Only licensed acupuncturists and certain physicians (MDs, DOs, DDSs, and podiatrists) are legally permitted to perform dry needling in California.
Physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists cannot legally insert acupuncture needles for “dry needling” in California.
4. Why should I see a licensed acupuncturist for dry needling?
Licensed acupuncturists have 3,000+ hours of graduate-level training and are tested on anatomy, physiology, safety, and needle technique.
Many “dry needling” courses for physical therapists provide only 20–50 hours of training — which is not enough to safely and effectively perform these techniques.
5. Is dry needling safe?
Yes — when performed by a licensed acupuncturist.
We follow strict Clean Needle Technique protocols, use FDA-regulated, single-use needles, and have the anatomical expertise to keep you safe.
6. What conditions can dry needling help with?
Dry needling can be highly effective for:
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Back, neck, and shoulder pain
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Sports injuries and athletic recovery
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Muscle knots and tension
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TMJ/jaw pain
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Headaches and migraines
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Postural imbalances and repetitive strain injuries
7. How is dry needling different from a cortisone shot or injection therapy?
Dry needling is completely “dry” — meaning no medication or substance is injected.
It relies on precise needle placement to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and relax tight muscles.
8. Do I need a referral for dry needling?
No referral is needed to see a licensed acupuncturist for dry needling in California. You can book directly with our clinic.
Why Choose Dr. Jaz for Dry Needling in San Diego?
✔ 20+ years of clinical experience in the Health & Wellness Industry
✔ Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with expertise in hormonal, digestive, and emotional wellness
✔ Licensed by the California Acupuncture Board
✔ Nationally certified by the NCCAOM
✔ Over 3,000 hours of advanced acupuncture & anatomy training
Book Dry Needling in San Diego Today!
Dry needling is a safe, effective therapy when performed by the right hands — and in California, that means a licensed acupuncturist.
👉 Book Your Dry Needling Session Today with Dr. Jaz »
📧 Email: jaz@sdherbalmedicine.com
📞 Phone: 619-501-7626
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
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