Is manual therapy the same as physical therapy?

Manual therapy is not the same as physical therapy. Manual therapy is a hands-on set of techniques that can be used within a broader physical therapy plan that also includes evaluation, exercise, education, and functional training.

Which is better: physical therapy or manual therapy?

Neither is universally better. Manual therapy can improve pain and mobility quickly, while physical therapy builds strength, stability, and long-term function. Many people do best with a combination of both.

What does manual therapy include?

Manual therapy may include joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial techniques, trigger point work, assisted stretching, and other hands-on methods intended to improve motion and reduce pain.

Can manual therapy help with back pain or sciatica?

Manual therapy can be helpful for back pain or sciatica when used appropriately, especially to improve mobility and reduce pain so you can begin targeted strengthening and movement retraining.

Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Florida?

In many cases, Florida allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you may be able to start physical therapy without a physician referral. Coverage rules can vary by insurance plan.

Dry Needling for Injury Recovery | PT and Chiropractor of Miami, FL

Dry needling helps injury recovery by targeting trigger points in muscles to reduce tension, increase blood flow, restore range of motion, and relieve pain. It’s especially effective for chronic tightness, post-injury stiffness, and overuse injuries.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where a licensed provider inserts thin, sterile needles into specific myofascial trigger points—tight knots within the muscle tissue. The goal is to "reset" dysfunctional muscle patterns, reduce pain, and promote healing at the source of the problem.

Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in Eastern medicine and energy meridians, dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neuroscience. It focuses on musculoskeletal dysfunction, not energy flow.

Benefits of Dry Needling for Injury Recovery

Dry needling is a powerful tool in rehabilitation, especially when used alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, or soft tissue mobilization.

Releases muscle tension: Needles cause a local twitch response that relaxes tight bands in muscle fibers.
Reduces inflammation: Improves local circulation and immune response around injured tissue.
Improves mobility: Frees up restricted joints and tissues, helping restore full range of motion.
Deactivates trigger points: Relieves referred pain often caused by overactive muscle knots.
Accelerates healing: Stimulates natural tissue repair and neurological reset of muscle tone.

Common Conditions Treated with Dry Needling

At PT & Chiro of Miami, we use dry needling to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and orthopedic issues, including:

Neck and back pain
Sciatica or nerve irritation
Muscle strains or spasms
Post-surgical stiffness
Tendinopathies (e.g. tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis)
Chronic overuse injuries in athletes
Plantar fasciitis

What to Expect During a Session

A dry needling session typically lasts 15–30 minutes and may be incorporated into your larger physical therapy or chiropractic visit. Most patients describe the sensation as a dull ache or twitch, followed by muscle relaxation.

You may feel soreness similar to a deep tissue massage for 24–48 hours. This is a normal part of the healing process.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

If you're dealing with lingering pain, tightness, or limited mobility that hasn't improved with stretching or exercise alone, dry needling might be the missing link in your recovery.

Our licensed clinicians at PT & Chiro of Miami will evaluate your injury, identify myofascial trigger points, and determine if dry needling is appropriate based on your goals and medical history.

Schedule Your Session Today

Our clinic proudly offers dry needling as part of our integrative rehab approach. Whether you're an athlete, post-op patient, or recovering from a chronic injury, we’re here to help you heal—naturally and effectively.

Request an appointment to get started.

FAQs About Dry Needling

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. While both use thin needles, acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and targets muscular dysfunction.

Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel a brief twitch or cramp-like sensation followed by relief. Soreness afterward is normal and usually fades within a day or two.

How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition. Acute injuries may respond in 1–2 visits, while chronic pain or tightness may require a series of sessions.

Can anyone get dry needling?
It’s generally safe for most adults, but we’ll screen for any contraindications (e.g. pregnancy, needle phobia, or certain medications) before treatment.

For more information, call us at: (305) 615-8134

Scientific Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28158962/