Dry Needling — Ontario, CA
Dry needling targets tight, irritated bands of muscle — trigger points and motor points — to help release tension that's keeping a movement pattern stuck. We use it as part of a movement-based treatment plan, not as a standalone fix.
Call (909) 239-6094What is dry needling?
Dry needling uses a thin, solid filiform needle — the same kind used in acupuncture — inserted into a tight muscle band or motor point. The goal is a localized response in the muscle: a brief twitch, a release of tension, and an improvement in how the muscle behaves once treatment is over.
It's typically used for musculoskeletal complaints: neck and shoulder tension, low back tightness, calf and hamstring restriction, hip pain, and tendon-related pain that has a clear muscular component upstream.
Who can perform dry needling in California?
In California, dry needling is performed within the acupuncture scope of practice by licensed acupuncturists. The technique is regulated under the California Acupuncture Practice Act (B&P §4937), and patients receiving dry needling in California are treated by clinicians with formal acupuncture training.
At our clinic, dry needling is performed by:
- Dr. S. Kim, California Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)
- NCCAOM Diplomate (Board Certified)
- Years of experience in trigger point and motor point techniques
Conditions where dry needling may help
Dry needling is one tool — most cases are treated with a combination of techniques tailored to what the assessment shows. Conditions where we commonly incorporate it include:
- Neck and upper-trap tension (often desk-related)
- Low back tightness with movement restriction
- Calf, hamstring, or hip restriction limiting running or lifting
- Shoulder pain with limited range of motion
- Tendon-related pain at the elbow, knee, or heel
- Recurring sports injuries that flare with activity
What to expect
A typical visit starts with a movement assessment — we look at how you move and load before deciding whether dry needling is the right tool, where to use it, and what to pair it with. When indicated, the needling itself is brief: a few seconds per point, often with a short twitch response. Most patients describe it as a deep cramp that releases.
After needling, we usually re-test the movement that was limited, layer in cupping or manual work as needed, and give you something to do between visits. The goal is a clear, measurable change you can feel — not just a treatment that felt nice.
About our needles and technique. All needles used are single-use, sterile, and disposable per FDA standards — each needle is used once and disposed of immediately after treatment. Dr. Kim's training in needle technique, anatomical precision, and patient safety comes from formal education in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, with national board certification (NCCAOM Diplomate).
How it fits with the rest of our care
Dry needling is rarely used on its own — it works best paired with movement-based treatment. If you're dealing with a specific complaint, you may also want to read about our approach to chronic pain or sports recovery. For some patients we also recommend custom herbal medicine alongside in-clinic treatment.