Dry Needling
Dry needling in Berthoud, CO is a targeted, evidence-based technique that releases tight, painful trigger points in muscle tissue to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and speed recovery. Offered by Dr. Hayley Nick and Dr. Alexi at Gateway Natural Medicine as a standalone service or alongside chiropractic care.
Meet Your Providers
Dr. Hayley Nick, DC
A movement-focused, Webster Certified chiropractor who uses dry needling alongside biomechanics and strength-based rehab to help release stubborn muscle tension and restore normal movement.
Dr. Alexi, DC
A sports-focused chiropractor who combines dry needling with the Diversified technique and targeted rehab exercises to address both spinal and extremity conditions.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a targeted technique where a thin, sterile needle (no medication involved, hence "dry") is inserted directly into a myofascial trigger point, a tight, tender knot that forms in overworked or injured muscle. Overused muscle tissue can fall into what's sometimes called an "energy crisis," where blood flow and oxygen delivery drop and the tissue becomes acidic and irritated. Needling that trigger point can restore blood flow, calm the irritated tissue, and often produces a brief "twitch response," a quick, involuntary muscle spasm that signals the trigger point is releasing.
Sessions are quick, typically 2 to 20 minutes depending on the area and number of trigger points treated. Some soreness, similar to a tough workout, is common for a day or two afterward, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
Both use thin, solid needles, but they come from different traditions and target different things. Dry needling is rooted in Western musculoskeletal medicine and focuses specifically on releasing myofascial trigger points to relieve pain and restore movement, usually as part of a broader treatment plan. Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and works with a broader map of points along the body to support overall function, from pain to digestion to hormonal health. We offer both, so if you're not sure which fits your situation, we're glad to help you figure that out at your visit.
Conditions Dry Needling Can Help
- Muscle knots & trigger points
- Tension headaches & migraines
- Neck & shoulder pain
- Low back pain
- Sports injuries & overuse
- Tendonitis
- TMJ tension
- Whiplash
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica
What to Expect
Your provider will locate trigger points by feel, then insert one or more thin needles directly into the muscle. You may feel a brief ache, cramp, or twitch as the muscle releases, this is a normal and often a good sign. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common, similar to how a deep-tissue massage or workout can feel.
Is It Safe?
Dry needling is low-risk when performed by a trained provider, and both Dr. Nick and Dr. Alexi are trained and certified in the technique. As with any needling, let your provider know about pregnancy, bleeding disorders, blood thinners, recent surgery, or a compromised immune system so your treatment can be adjusted appropriately.
Common Questions
Does dry needling hurt?
The needles themselves are hair-thin and usually not felt going in. What you may feel is the trigger point releasing, a brief ache, cramp, or twitch, which most patients describe as intense but not sharply painful. Any soreness afterward typically fades within a day or two.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long you've had the issue and how your body responds. Some patients feel relief after one session, while chronic or long-standing tension may take a few visits. Your provider will build a plan around your specific case rather than a set package.
Can dry needling be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes, and it often is. Since Dr. Nick and Dr. Alexi are both chiropractors, dry needling is frequently combined with adjustments and rehab exercises in the same visit to address both the joint and the surrounding muscle tissue.
Ready to Release the Tension?
Schedule a visit and let's target what's actually bothering you.
Call 970-532-2755