At InstaCare Physical Therapy, dry needling is offered at all six of our clinics and is included in your session at no extra charge. Every visit is 1-on-1 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and backed by our 100% money-back guarantee. You don't need a referral, and same-day or next-day appointments are available.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a hands-on physical therapy technique. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy places very thin, sterile, single-use needles into tight, tender spots in a muscle, often called trigger points. The goal is to help that muscle relax, ease pain and make it easier to move. Nothing is injected, which is why it's called "dry" needling.
At InstaCare, dry needling is never a stand-alone treatment. It's one part of a 1-on-1 session that also includes hands-on care and exercises to help keep the problem from coming back.
What does dry needling feel like?
Most people feel a quick pinch as the needle goes in, and sometimes a brief twitch or a deep, dull ache in the muscle. That's normal. Some soreness for a day or two afterward is common, a bit like after a hard workout. Your therapist checks in with you the whole time and can adjust or stop whenever you want.
Who Dry Needling Can Help
Our patients use dry needling as part of their care for:
- Neck and shoulder tightness, including stiff or painful shoulders
- Low back pain and muscle spasms
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Tight hamstrings, calves and hips
- Running and sports aches, including shin and lower-leg pain
- Tension-type headaches linked to tight neck muscles
- Post-workout soreness and muscle knots that keep coming back
Whether you're an athlete training hard or just want to get through your day with less pain, your Doctor of Physical Therapy will tell you honestly at your evaluation whether dry needling is a good fit.
Dry Needling Near You
Dry needling is available at every InstaCare clinic. Same hours everywhere: Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 8am–1pm, Sun closed.
- West Chester: 56 Penn Oaks Dr, 19382, inside Penn Oaks Tennis and Fitness.
- Exton: 202 Philips Rd, 19341, inside Tennis Addiction. (Exton is also home to our lymphatic therapy program.)
- Chester Springs: 223 Wingate Dr, 19425.
- Downingtown: 119 Bolero Dr, 19335, at Applecross Country Club.
- Malvern: 271 Lancaster Ave, Suite 102, 19355, at Oh Padel.
- Ambler: 723 Talamore Dr, 19002, at Talamore Country Club.
Call 484-202-0461 for any clinic. Find a clinic near you →
How Much Does Dry Needling Cost?
Dry needling is included in your physical therapy session at no extra charge. There's no add-on fee. InstaCare is fee-for-service and out of network with insurance, and every session comes with our 100% money-back guarantee. We have a few options depending on your needs, so call 484-202-0461 or email office@instacare.health and we'll walk you through cost and availability.
No Referral Needed
InstaCare is a Direct Access clinic, which means you can book dry needling without a doctor's referral or prescription. Just call 484-202-0461 or request a free 15-minute phone consultation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Book: call 484-202-0461 or request an appointment online. Same-day or next-day appointments are available.
- Evaluation (60 minutes): a 1-on-1 visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who looks at how you move and finds what's behind your pain. On-site imaging is available. If dry needling is a good fit, it may be part of that first visit.
- Follow-ups (50 minutes): every session is 1-on-1 and combines dry needling with hands-on treatment and exercises.
- Home plan: you leave with exercises tailored to you, so progress continues between visits.
Not sure yet? Option 1: ask about cost and availability. Option 2: request to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a hands-on physical therapy technique where a Doctor of Physical Therapy places very thin, sterile, single-use needles into tight bands of muscle, often called trigger points. The goal is to help the muscle relax so you can move with less pain. No medication is injected, which is why it's called "dry" needling. At InstaCare it's always part of a 1-on-1 session that also includes hands-on care and exercise.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel a quick pinch as the needle goes in, and sometimes a brief twitch or deep ache in the muscle. Some soreness for a day or two afterward is common. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy will check in with you the whole time and can adjust or stop at any point.
Where can I get dry needling near me?
InstaCare Physical Therapy offers dry needling at all six clinics: West Chester (56 Penn Oaks Dr.), Exton (202 Philips Rd.), Chester Springs (223 Wingate Dr.), Downingtown (119 Bolero Dr.), Malvern (271 Lancaster Ave., Suite 102) and Ambler (723 Talamore Dr.). All clinics are open Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm, and closed Sunday. Call 484-202-0461 to schedule. Same-day or next-day appointments are available.
How much does dry needling cost at InstaCare?
Dry needling is included in your InstaCare physical therapy session at no extra charge. InstaCare is fee-for-service and out of network with insurance, and every session comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. We have several options depending on your needs, so call 484-202-0461 or email office@instacare.health for cost and availability.
Do I need a referral for dry needling in Pennsylvania?
No. InstaCare is a Direct Access clinic, so you can book dry needling without a doctor's referral or prescription. Call 484-202-0461 to get started, or request a free 15-minute phone consultation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to see if dry needling is right for you.
Does insurance cover dry needling at InstaCare?
InstaCare is fee-for-service and out of network with insurance companies. Because dry needling is included in your session at no extra charge, there's no separate dry needling fee. Call 484-202-0461 or email office@instacare.health and we'll walk you through cost and your options.
What happens at a dry needling appointment?
Your first visit is a 60-minute, 1-on-1 evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, who looks at how you move and finds what's driving your pain. If dry needling is a good fit, it can be part of that visit. Follow-up sessions are 50 minutes and combine dry needling with hands-on treatment and exercises you can keep doing at home. On-site imaging is also available.
How many dry needling sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and goals. InstaCare aims to get you results in as few sessions as possible, and your Doctor of Physical Therapy will recommend a plan after your 60-minute evaluation and check your progress at every visit.