Dry Needling In Evansville

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling in Evansville

Is dry needling covered by insurance in Wisconsin?

Many insurance plans in Wisconsin cover dry needling when performed by a licensed physical therapist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Coverage varies by provider—some require pre-authorization while others cover it under standard physical therapy benefits. At Core Physical Therapy in Evansville, we work directly with your insurance company to verify coverage and handle billing. Call us to check your specific plan’s benefits before your first appointment.

How is dry needling different from acupuncture?

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based treatment rooted in Western medicine that targets trigger points, muscle knots, and dysfunctional tissue to relieve pain and restore movement. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice focused on balancing energy flow along meridians. While both use thin needles, dry needling is performed by physical therapists trained in anatomy and neuromuscular dysfunction, making it ideal for sports injuries, chronic pain, and rehabilitation.

Does dry needling actually work for chronic pain?

Yes. Research shows dry needling effectively reduces chronic pain by deactivating trigger points, improving blood flow, and resetting pain signals in the nervous system. Patients with conditions like chronic neck pain, lower back pain, migraines, and sciatica often experience significant relief—sometimes after just one session. At Core Physical Therapy, we combine dry needling with corrective exercises and manual therapy to ensure results last long-term, not just temporarily.

How long does it take to feel results from dry needling?

Many patients feel immediate relief or improved mobility within 24-48 hours after their first session. However, chronic conditions typically require 3-6 sessions for lasting results. During your initial consultation at Core Physical Therapy in Evansville, we’ll assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan with clear expectations for your recovery timeline.

What conditions can dry needling treat near Evansville?

Dry needling is highly effective for treating chronic muscle tightness, trigger points, tension headaches, migraines, TMJ dysfunction, neck pain, whiplash, sciatica, lower back pain, disc issues, plantar fasciitis, tendon injuries, rotator cuff problems, tennis elbow, IT band syndrome, and post-surgical scar tissue. If you’re in Evansville, Janesville, Brodhead, Oregon, or Stoughton and dealing with stubborn pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, dry needling may be the solution.

Is dry needling painful or does it hurt?

Most patients describe dry needling as a brief, tolerable sensation—often a quick muscle twitch or dull ache that lasts only seconds. Some soreness similar to post-workout fatigue may occur for 24-48 hours, but this indicates the muscle is releasing and healing. Our physical therapists at Core Physical Therapy use advanced techniques and ultrasound guidance to maximize comfort and minimize discomfort during treatment.

Can dry needling help with sciatica and nerve pain?

Yes. Dry needling can significantly reduce sciatic nerve pain by releasing tight muscles in the lower back, glutes, and piriformis that compress or irritate the sciatic nerve. By deactivating trigger points and improving muscle function, dry needling often provides relief when stretching, medication, or traditional therapy haven’t worked. Many patients with sciatica, disc herniations, and nerve impingement see improvements within a few sessions.