Dry Needling in Houston, TX at Rooted Spine & Sport

A person receiving a medical injection in their shoulder from a healthcare professional wearing gloves.

At Rooted Spine & Sport, dry needling is one of our most effective, science-backed treatments for relieving pain, improving mobility, and restoring proper muscle function. Whether you’re dealing with chronic tightness, stubborn trigger points, sports injuries, or pain that just keeps coming back, dry needling offers a fast and targeted solution. As a leading chiropractic and sports therapy clinic in Houston, we use dry needling to help patients recover quicker, move better, and get back to doing the things they love.

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile, single-use needles inserted into tight muscles, trigger points, or areas of soft-tissue dysfunction. These needles help release tension, improve blood flow, and reset dysfunctional muscle patterns. Unlike acupuncture—which is rooted in traditional Eastern medicine—dry needling is based entirely on Western anatomy, neurology, and musculoskeletal science.

At Rooted Spine & Sport, dry needling is commonly paired with chiropractic adjustments, cupping, soft tissue therapy, exercise rehab, and corrective movement techniques to deliver long-lasting results.

What Is Dry Needling?

How Dry Needling Works

When a muscle becomes overworked, injured, or stressed, the fibers can tighten and form “trigger points.” These knots cause pain, restrict movement, and often lead to compensation patterns throughout the body. Dry needling helps by:

1. Releasing Trigger Points

Once the needle enters a trigger point, the muscle often creates a quick “twitch response.” This reflex helps the muscle relax, allowing it to return to its proper length and function.

2. Improving Blood Flow

Inserting a needle creates a micro-injury that signals the body to send healing nutrients to the area. This promotes faster recovery, decreased inflammation, and improved tissue health.

3. Resetting the Nervous System

Dry needling helps “retrain” the brain and muscles, reducing pain signals and normalizing movement patterns—especially in areas that have been tight or painful for months or even years.

4. Reducing Pain and Tension

By releasing deep muscle tension, dry needling decreases pressure on nerves and joints, resulting in improved mobility and reduced pain levels.

Conditions Dry Needling Helps Treat

Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  • Neck pain and stiffness

  • Low back pain and sciatica

  • Tension headaches and migraines

  • Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries

  • Hip pain and glute tightness

  • TMJ dysfunction (jaw pain)

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow

  • Knee pain and patellar tracking issues

  • Muscle strains, overuse injuries, and sports injuries

  • Chronic tightness from sitting or repetitive movements

Because dry needling targets the root of the problem—tight, irritated, and dysfunctional muscles—it often delivers quicker relief than stretching, massage, or foam rolling alone.

What to Expect During Your Treatment?

Your session begins with a detailed assessment to identify the exact muscles contributing to your pain or limited movement. Once the treatment area is mapped, Dr. Muller will insert thin, hair-like needles into specific trigger points. You may feel a quick muscle twitch, pressure, or deep achy sensation—this is normal and signals the muscle is releasing.

Most treatments last 10–20 minutes and are often combined with cupping, soft tissue therapy, stretching, or corrective exercises to maximize results.

After your session, you may experience mild soreness—similar to a workout—which typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Most patients notice immediate improvements in mobility and pain reduction.

Dry needling has become one of the most sought-after therapies for athletes, active individuals, and anyone dealing with persistent pain. At Rooted Spine & Sport, patients choose dry needling because it:

✓ Delivers Fast Pain Relief

Most patients feel a noticeable difference after just one session.

✓ Improves Mobility and Flexibility

Releasing deep muscle tension allows joints to move more freely and efficiently.

✓ Works for Both New and Chronic Injuries

Whether you’re dealing with fresh pain or something that’s bothered you for years, dry needling helps restore normal function.

✓ Enhances Athletic Performance

By reducing tightness and improving muscle activation, athletes see improved strength, mobility, and recovery.

✓ Complements Chiropractic Care

Combined with adjustments, dry needling helps stabilize the spine, relax tight muscles, and prevent recurring pain.

Why Dry Needling Is So Effective?

Why Choose Rooted Spine & Sport for Dry Needling in Houston?

Rooted Spine & Sport takes a modern, patient-driven approach to musculoskeletal care. Our treatment plans are individualized, hands-on, and designed to create fast, measurable results. With a focus on functional movement, sports performance, and long-term recovery, we help you move better—not just feel better.

If you’re struggling with pain or tightness and want a proven, effective solution, dry needling may be the missing piece.

Book Your Dry Needling Appointment Today

Experience powerful, targeted pain relief at Rooted Spine & Sport.
Schedule your session today and start moving pain-free.