Filament needling for trigger point release.
Dry needling is a treatment in which a trained practitioner inserts thin filament needles into specific muscular trigger points to release tension and restore function. The needles are solid and contain no medication — which is why the technique is called "dry." The procedure is grounded in Western anatomical and neuromuscular science.
Western anatomical foundation
Practitioners target precise locations within the muscle belly where taut bands and trigger points have developed — based on orthopedic and neuromuscular principles.
Reaches what manual therapy cannot
The technique accesses tissue layers that hands-on work and stretching cannot fully address, often producing quicker resolution of stubborn muscular issues.
Different from acupuncture
Shared tools, separate frameworks. Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine and meridians; filament needling follows Western anatomy and targets identified muscular dysfunction.
Conditions we address with dry needling.
Filament needle therapy serves patients dealing with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. The technique works particularly well when combined with chiropractic care and rehabilitative services delivered under the same roof.
Myofascial trigger points
A precisely placed needle elicits a brief twitch response — the muscle releasing its sustained contraction. Once the trigger point deactivates, blood flow returns and the tissue begins to heal.
Muscle tension & stiffness
Office work, repetitive motion, and stress contribute to bands of tension that resist stretching and massage. Targeted needling reaches deep layers and releases contracted fibers.
Sports injuries
Tight hamstrings, calves, rotator cuff issues, and tennis elbow respond well. Sessions often shorten recovery time and help athletes return to training with proper muscle activation.
Chronic pain
Persistent headaches, lower back issues, and joint pain often involve an overlooked muscular component. Addressing the underlying trigger points produces meaningful improvement.
What to expect during a session.
The first visit begins with a thorough evaluation — medical history, current symptoms, and movement patterns. Once the relevant muscles are identified, you rest on a treatment table while the practitioner cleans the skin and inserts thin sterile needles into the targeted areas.
Sensation during treatment
A small prick as the needle enters and a brief twitch response as the trigger point releases. Some patients describe a deep ache or cramping that fades within seconds.
Session length
Needles remain in place for several minutes depending on the condition. The entire session typically lasts thirty to forty-five minutes.
After your session
Mild soreness for one or two days is common — similar to the feeling that follows a vigorous workout. Most patients notice improved range of motion and reduced pain within the first few sessions.
Why Choose Virginia Family Chiropractic?
Patients trust our team because our combined chiropractic and physical medicine approach addresses the source of muscular pain rather than only the symptoms. Our practitioners hold the credentials required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for filament needle therapy.
Credentialed Practitioners
Our team holds the training and licensing required by Virginia for filament needle therapy — specifically, Dr. Cameron Hatam, who holds dry needling certification alongside CBP and Graston credentials.
Integrated Treatment Plans
Dry needling combined with chiropractic adjustment and rehabilitative services under one roof — complete care, single setting.
Convenient Locations
Accessible to patients throughout Northern Virginia and adjacent communities.
Insurance & Self-Pay Options
We work with most major carriers and offer flexible arrangements for residents of the area.
Chiropractic and Physical Medicine Services in Northern Virginia
Eleven specialized treatment modalities, delivered consistently across all four clinic locations.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Manual therapy and the Chiropractic BioPhysics protocol for herniated discs, scoliosis, postural dysfunction, and vertebral subluxation.
Chiropractic Pain Management
Multi-modal protocols for back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, headaches, TMJ, and plantar fasciitis — rooted in structural correction, not pharmaceuticals.
Chiropractic Care for Injuries
Auto, workplace, athletic, and personal-injury rehabilitation with the clinical documentation insurance and legal proceedings require.
Chronic Conditions
Long-term management for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Sustainable function over short-term symptom suppression.
Laser Therapy
Cold-laser and Class IV therapeutic laser for tendonitis, bursitis, neuropathic conditions, and post-surgical recovery. No medication, no downtime.
MLS Laser Therapy
FDA-cleared dual-wavelength laser that pairs continuous and pulsed emissions to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair.
Neurological Care
The NeuroMed program for diabetic and idiopathic neuropathy, carpal tunnel, drop foot, and postherpetic neuralgia.
Rehabilitation Services
Corrective exercises and functional movement training that retrain the muscular and ligamentous support structures of the spine.
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal acoustic energy for chronic tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and calcific tendinitis.
Videofluoroscopy & Digital Motion X-Ray
Real-time fluoroscopic imaging that captures spinal function during movement — revealing instabilities and dynamic nerve compression static imaging cannot detect.
Dry Needling at four Northern Virginia locations.
Care is delivered with the same CBP-certified providers, the same diagnostic technology, and the same protocols across every office.
Dry Needling in Alexandria
Alexandria, VA 22304
Dry Needling in Falls Church
Falls Church, VA 22043
Dry Needling in Manassas
Manassas, VA 20110
Dry Needling in Woodbridge
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Frequently Asked Questions
Specific to dry needling. Call (703) 370-5300 to discuss your case.