Dry Needling in Ridgewood, NJ
Dry needling uses thin acupuncture needles at trigger points and tight bands in muscle to help release tension. Joshua Goldstein, L.Ac., offers dry needling at Integrative Acupuncture Center in Ridgewood.
How Dry Needling Works
Dry needling is a technique that places thin, solid needles into trigger points or tight bands within a muscle. These areas often feel tender or knotted to the touch and can send discomfort to other parts of the body. The goal is to help the muscle release tension and move more freely.
Joshua explains that when a needle is placed directly in a tight or painful muscle, the body responds by sending blood flow and its own pain relieving chemicals to that spot, which may help the muscle relax. Dry needling applies this local approach to specific trigger points.
Joshua is licensed in New Jersey and New York and has been certified since 1999. Because of his acupuncture training, he can combine dry needling at trigger points with traditional acupuncture points elsewhere on the body when that suits your treatment plan.
Thin, sterile, single-use needles
Targets trigger points and tight muscle bands
Can be combined with traditional acupuncture
Provided by a licensed acupuncturist
Focused on muscle tension and mobility
Treatment based on your health history
What Dry Needling Is Commonly Used For
Patients commonly ask about dry needling for muscle tension and pain in areas such as the following.
Individual results vary, and dry needling is not a substitute for care from your physician.
See all conditions we treatWhat to Expect
Your Dry Needling Session
Joshua will review your health history and ask where you feel tension or pain. He then checks the muscles for tight bands and tender points and places thin needles in those areas. Many patients feel a brief twitch or ache in the muscle when a trigger point is reached, and this usually passes quickly.
Health History
You will fill out a health history form and talk with Joshua about your symptoms and goals.
Assessment
Joshua checks the affected muscles for tight bands, tender spots and restricted movement.
Treatment
Thin needles are placed at the selected trigger points. Acupuncture points elsewhere on the body may be added as well.
Aftercare
Mild soreness in the treated area afterward is common and usually short lived. Joshua may suggest stretches or other self-care to use at home.
Dry Needling FAQ
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Both use the same thin, solid needles. Dry needling focuses on trigger points and tight bands within a muscle, while acupuncture also uses points throughout the body based on Chinese medicine. Joshua is a licensed acupuncturist and can use either approach, or both, in the same visit.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients feel very little when the needle is inserted. When a trigger point is reached, the muscle may twitch or ache briefly. Joshua adjusts the treatment based on your comfort.
Is soreness common after dry needling?
Some patients feel mild soreness in the treated muscle afterward, similar to the feeling after a workout. This usually fades on its own. Let Joshua know at your next visit how you felt after treatment.
How much does dry needling cost?
A standard visit at Integrative Acupuncture Center is $115. For dry needling pricing, please call the office at (201) 444-7150.
What patients say
Joshua has been great in alleviating my pain from Trigeminal Neuralgia. He is always willing to take the time and effort to understand your issues. Always makes you feel comfortable and willingly takes the time to explain or answer any questions.
Joshua is an incredible listener and healer. After just a handful of visits my headaches decreased in frequency and intensity. I am so excited to continue to see him and feel better!
Wish I had not waited so long to try acupuncture. Neck pain totally resolved within 3 months. This comes after decades of conventional treatment of medications, MRI, physical therapy and monthly massage appointments. Migraines have decreased also. Many Thanks to Joshua!
Let’s Get You Back to Doing What You Love
Whether it's gardening, playing with your kids, sleeping through the night, jogging on the beach, or simply getting through the day without pain, our personalized acupuncture treatments are designed to help you move, heal, and feel better naturally.