Dry Needling
Posture Studio Physical Therapy offers dry needling sessions as an approach to pain management and healing. Offered with our integrative physical therapy or book 30 minute sessions separately.
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?
Dry needling can aid in pain management and support healing. Conditions that may benefit include
Neck, back, and shoulder pain
Migraines and tension headaches
Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and carpal tunnel
Sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness or spasms
Patellofemoral (knee) pain
Additional benefits may include:
Faster recovery
Reduced reliance on pain medication
Improved circulation and sleep quality
Nervous system “reset” by breaking the pain–tension cycle
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a physical therapy technique used to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and improve movement. Very fine, sterile needles are inserted into tight or sensitive areas of muscle to help the tissue relax and restore more comfortable movement.
At Posture Studio, Tara Fontenot, DPT, has advanced training in dry needling and may incorporate it into your physical therapy treatment when appropriate.
After completing an initial PT evaluation, clients may also schedule 30-minute dry needling sessions for ongoing or maintenance care.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
The needle stimulates tight muscle tissue and may produce a brief twitch response, helping the muscle relax and reducing pain and tension. Some people experience improved mobility or decreased discomfort following treatment, although the number of sessions needed varies.
Is It the Same as Acupuncture?
No. Although both use thin needles, dry needling is performed within a physical therapy framework and targets muscles and other tissues associated with pain and movement dysfunction.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Most people feel little or nothing when the needle is inserted. If a muscle responds with a twitch, you may feel a brief cramp or quick sensation. Mild soreness afterward can also occur.
Meet Tara Fontenot, DPT and Dry Needling Specialist
Tara. Fontenot, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is passionate about empowering clients throughout their rehabilitation journey. She emphasizes the importance of pre- and post-rehabilitative movement to support lasting recovery.
Tara takes a holistic approach to physical therapy, focusing on identifying and addressing the root cause of pain rather than just treating symptoms. Her sessions blend education, manual therapy, functional movement retraining, and targeted modalities—including dry needling—to promote long-term health and resilience.
Known for her supportive and encouraging style, Tara helps clients feel confident, capable, and informed in their recovery process.
“I found Tara by chance with joint issues. Then chose her for injury and surgery recovery. Tara deftly combines excellent skills and valuable experience to personalize your physical therapy program. Through keen observation and focused listening, Tara guides you to successfully meeting your PT goals.”