Dry needling is a relatively new form of therapy that is growing in popularity. Dry needling is a type of acupuncture that uses ultra-fine needles to penetrate the skin. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling does not use heat or electricity. Dry needling has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, tension headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dry needling therapy can be used to release trigger points, which are knots of muscle that can cause pain and other problems. Dry needling is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve function. In our office, we offer Dry Needling as one of our many holistic approaches to helping you achieve optimal health.
Treat Muscle Tissue
Reduce pain, inactivate trigger points, and restore function with Dry Needling Therapy.
Trigger Points
Dry Needling can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce pain.
Wide Variety of Uses
Dry Needling treatments can be used for a variety of issues, including shoulder, neck, heel, hip, and back pain.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations.
Pain Relief in St. Louis
Many people experience major relief from their conditions from Dry Needling Therapy. Using our needling techniques, we can help you escape the pain and get back to feeling great again. Book an appointment now to schedule a time with our team and say goodbye to pain for good.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture utilizing extremely tiny needles to pierce the skin.
It is based on the principle that there are points in the body that can help to relieve pain and other problems. These points are called trigger points. Trigger points are often located in areas of muscle that have become tight or knotted.
When these needles are inserted into the skin at these trigger points, they reach the underlying muscles which stimulate the release of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and have been shown to be more effective than morphine. In addition to endorphins, dry needling also releases other chemicals that help to reduce inflammation, such as:
Serotonin
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
By stimulating your body and triggering the release of chemicals, it can help to relieve pain, increase your range of motion, and improve the function of your tissues.
What does Dry Needling Therapy Treat?
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Dry needling is a very effective treatment for acute and chronic muscular pain. The benefits of dry needling include a decrease in pain, increased mobility, and increased strength. Positive results are typically apparent within only a few treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms as well as the overall health of the patient.
In addition to reducing pain, dry needling can also:
Relax muscles
Improve range of motion
Reduce inflammation
Release trigger points
Side Effects of Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment with few side effects. The most common side effect is mild soreness at the needle site. This soreness usually goes away within a day or two. Other rare side effects can include bruising, swelling, and bleeding. But that is usually uncommon.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture
Dry needling and acupuncture are completely different treatments. One of the only similarities between the two techniques is the equipment used – acupuncture needles. Dry needling specifically treats muscular pain and trigger points while acupuncture is a complete healing system that focuses on balancing a patient’s energy or Qi.
There are some key differences between them:
Dry needling is based on Western medicine principles while acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine principles.
Dry needling is used to treat specific problems, such as trigger points, while acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Dry needling uses ultra-fine needles that are inserted into the skin at specific points. Acupuncture needles are thicker and can be inserted deeper into the skin.
Get Dry Needling Treatment in St. Louis
If you’re interested in getting natural and holistic treatment for your conditions, Dry Needling may be for you. We’ll work with you to fully understand your health concern and build a treatment plan to help you reach optimal health. Dry Needling may play a roll in your treatment plan and help you feel the best you can.
Give us a call today to book your appointment to get started with your care!
A DOT physical exam is a medical examination required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure commercial drivers are healthy and fit to safely operate a vehicle. At McGuire Total Wellness in St. Louis, MO, Dr. Alika McGuire is a certified medical examiner who provides convenient DOT physicals for CDL and commercial drivers.
Dry needling works by inserting a fine needle into tight muscle bands or trigger points. This stimulates blood flow, releases tension, and activates the body’s natural healing process. Many patients in St. Louis searching for “dry needling for back pain” or “dry needling for neck pain” find relief at McGuire Total Wellness.
Dry needling is effective for treating headaches, sciatica, neck pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, and other musculoskeletal issues. At McGuire Total Wellness, patients in St. Louis, MO, use dry needling as part of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan.
No, dry needling and acupuncture are different techniques. While both use thin needles, acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, while dry needling is based on modern anatomy and targets muscle trigger points. Patients at McGuire Total Wellness in St. Louis often combine both therapies for maximum benefit.
Most patients report only mild discomfort or a quick twitch response when the needle hits a trigger point. At McGuire Total Wellness, Dr. Alika McGuire ensures treatments are gentle, safe, and comfortable. Many patients in St. Louis describe the sensation as relieving tension almost immediately.
Yes, dry needling is very safe when performed by a trained professional like Dr. Alika McGuire. At McGuire Total Wellness, we use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict safety protocols, making it a trusted treatment for patients in St. Louis, MO.
The cost of dry needling depends on your treatment plan and whether it is combined with chiropractic care or other therapies. At McGuire Total Wellness, we provide affordable treatment options so patients in St. Louis can experience the benefits of dry needling. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alika McGuire today to learn more.
McGuire Total Wellness is the best. Dr. McGuire is phenomenal, customer service staff is great and VERY flexible with scheduling/rescheduling. Resolved my pinched nerve in one visit!
This place is awesome. I've never had a chiropractor like Dr. McGuire. You don't feel like you're just another number or just another client. Unlike other chiropractors I have been to where everybody basically gets the same treatment, pop your back here, pop your neck there.... then send you home. He treats everyone and they're specific needs as an individual, he even remembers personal details of the conversation that you had last visit.
Very friendly and professional. I've been having some discomfort from normal wear and tear on my back and they helped me quite a bit. Definitely recommend.
Dr. McGuire did something for me today that my spine specialist couldn't even do. He made me able to stand up straight with little pain. The spine doctor just gave me pills and shots that didn't do me any good. He said I still have a long way to go due to the many years of damage to my body parts though. This man is definitely worth seeing. He didn't take MRIs to find my pain, he felt it. People if your living with pain u have only been given pills and shots for that didn't help go see Dr. McGuire. You will be shocked to find out that a lot of your ailments are caused by your injuries.
I have been under Dr. Maguire‘s care for over three years on my initial visits. I could barely get out the bed now I’m up walking exercising and getting my life back.
I had my first ever adjustment today and left feeling AMAZING! Dr. McGuire makes sure you fully understand everything that is going on and is a great listener. I have torn meniscus in both knees and back pain and just after one visit my back feels great and my knees feel better then they have in a very long time! I’m very excited to be under his care and what he has in store for me!
Dr. McGuire has helped me with my back! I was a mess going in and 1000% better leaving! I can relax during adjustments because I trust him and his adjustments feel smooth not forceful.
Great experience. Injured my back at work and had it feeling right after 2 weeks. Kept going for another 10 weeks after. One of the best chiro's I've been to.
My appointment Dr. McGuire was great! He took time to investigate my injuries and find the source, rather than just going after the pain where it was occurring. I do jiu jitsu, so my injuries aren't the everyday back pain that people have. I highly recommend Dr. McGuire, especially for people who have martial arts-related injuries.
I’ve had issues with my back for quite a while now and finally but the bullet and went to a chiropractor and Dr McGuire relieved so much built up tension in my back that I honestly couldn’t believe, highly recommend, thank you Dr. McGuire!
I’ve been seeing Dr. McGuire for about a month and a half after being unable to stand fully upright without a jolting pain. He came recommended by both my husband, and my massage therapist. After 16 years of off and on chiropractic care, I’m so happy to have found someone who listens and doesn’t do the same song and dance and send you out the door. Each visit is tailored to how I feel that day, and my concerns are addressed in a way that is professional and easy to understand. He gives practical advice on how to improve mobility and I feel back to normal again!
I highly recommend McGuire Total Wellness! I work as a dental hygienist and consistently struggle with job related neck/back/hip issues. Dr. McGuire listens and asks good questions to understand where my pain is coming from, and it usually doesn’t take long at all to start feeling relief once he identifies the problem and makes adjustments. He also gives really helpful suggestions to keep pain from coming back. I’m so happy to have found a chiropractor I can trust and count on for noticeable results!
I came to Dr McGuire because of my scoliosis, he is so friendly and knowledgeable! Currently I'm doing weekly session, we already met several times, and I can see the improvement.
Dr McGuire is the best! He listens to you and truly cares about you as a person. He also cares about the community he serves and is ALWAYS using his business to serve the community whether it be a food drive, coat drive, pet rescue, or any way our community needs help he is there to help!
Dr. McGuire is awesome! He is accommodating, professional yet personable. Answers all your questions. Best of all, great at his job. Would recommend him to any and everybody.
My first visit with Dr. McGuire was a very pleasant experience. He was able to locate the source of my back stiffness and pain and did a gentle manipulation in that area. He also advised follow up stretches and exercise. I look forward to more treatments and a painfree body.
I had an amazing experience with Dr. McGuire, he's very professional and knowledgeable. I appreciate his expertise, he's caring and I and my husband left feeling great. Ready to take naps. I am definitely going back. You should try him for yourself you will be impressed as well. Treat yourself your body deserve it.
McGuire total wellness is awesome!!! He really knows to focus on improving areas of soreness, stiffness, etc.<br>I’ve only been going a short time, but feel so much better from when I started going, AND I’ve been fortunate to run into several childhood friends & classmates who are being seen there. I’d definitely recommend going
I appreciate everything Maguire has done for me as far as my health my my back everything is working according to plan I really appreciate this young man thank you. Thank you
I found Dr. McGuire a couple months ago and it's been fantastic. Not only adjustments, but the soft tissue work has helped my shoulders and neck and the resulting headaches from the tension. Couldn't recommend more!
Dr. McGuire is truly amazing. When I was considering the next steps for my ongoing lower back pain ( ruptured disc), he listened to my concerns and presented me with options. I initially had weekly visits and then transitioned to bi-weekly visits. I am so grateful that I trusted him, as he has supported me every step of the way. I have gone from constant pain to now working out in the gym five days a week. Schedule your appointment TODAY! You will not be disappointed.
Dr. McGuire’s wisdom and healing abilities have been life changing for our family! An absolute improvement for our health and well being. He has been incredibly supportive!
My visit to Dr. McGuire’s office was stress free he greeted me with a smile took time to listen after asking a question and explained step by step what he was doing. The office is clean, plenty of parking, and the natural sun light that comes in to the office helped me relax. Schedule a visit you will not be disappointed.
My experience was very therapeutic and I slept so soundly once I made it home. I think I have found my Healer in you Dr. McGuire.......thank you profoundly.
I have been seeing Dr. McGuire for chronic misalignment for years. I have periods of time where I have 0 pain or related headaches. I contine for maintenance to keep the aches away. He is also a great person.
McGuire total wellness is the truth. I told him the problem, he listened and went right to correcting the problems I've been having with my shoulder. Great job I would recommend anybody that reads this review come check them out
The service was excellent and the customer service was great everyone was very nice and i feel such a relief just after one adjustment. I highly recommend
I seen Dr. Mcgire for the first time in August due to a spinal stenosis in my c5 and c6 discs, and it was causing my hands and fingers to be numb ALL THE TIME!! No relief, just tingling and pressure, that’s all I have been able to feel in my hands over<br>The past year. After he worked his magic the numbness immediately stopped
Dr. McGuire has been my chiropractor for a few years now. Initially, I was looking for a different way to help my fiancé with his pain and discomfort. I spoke with Dr. McGuire about a few concerns when I went to pay for his appointment, and he gave me peace of mind by offering a complimentary session. Since then, WE have been patients. Every member of my family either visits him annually or has a membership. When my son gets sports injuries, he's been my first choice. Dr. McGuire's energy and expertise have impressed my son so much that he now wants to work in the medical industry. Thank you for all that you do - mind, body, and spirit! It's a pleasure being a patient of yours!
This was my first chiropractic experience and I immediately felt the benefits of realignment. I also appreciated the spine figurine to help detail what is/well happen and the post-service drawing on what areas were targeted during my visit and what it connected to health wise.
