Dry Needling Therapy
Dry Needling Treatments in Golden Valley, MN
Relieve chronic muscle and nerve-related pain with targeted dry needling in Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Led by Dr. Christopher Johnson, licensed acupuncturist and experienced dry needling practitioner with advanced orthopedic training, Everybody Healing Center specializes in chronic pain, sports injuries, nerve irritation, and stubborn musculoskeletal conditions that haven’t responded to conventional care.
We serve patients from Minneapolis and the western Twin Cities metro who are looking for thoughtful, results-focused dry needling therapy.
Call now to schedule your consultation
Find out if dry needling is a good fit for you.
Request your dry needling consultation
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For People Who Feel stuck in Pain
When pain lingers long enough, it changes how you move — and how much you trust your body.
We often work with patients dealing with chronic pain, who have tried physical therapy, massage, injections, chiropractic care, or medications and still don’t feel like themselves.
Dry needling is a highly-effective, evidence-based orthopedic technique used to release tight muscle bands, calm nerve sensitivity, and restore more natural movement.
Our approach is careful and grounded in medical training and experience. We assess thoroughly, explain what we’re seeing, and build a plan together.
An honest conversation, no pressure.
What Patients Say About Our Dry Needling Treatments
Conditions We Support With Dry Needling
Dry needling helps to release tight muscle patterns (myofascial trigger points) that keep pain cycling. We commonly treat chronic muscle pain, nerve irritation, postural strain, and injury-related conditions like the ones below.
Neck, Back, and Spine Conditions
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Chronic neck pain
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Upper back pain and trapezius tension
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Lower back pain
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Herniated or slipped discs (supportive care)
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Sciatica
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Postural strain patterns
Head, Jaw, and Nerve Pain
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Migraines
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Tension headaches
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TMJ dysfunction
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Trigeminal nerve irritation
Shoulder and Arm Pain
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Shoulder pain
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Frozen shoulder
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Shoulder impingement
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Rotator cuff irritation
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Tennis elbow
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Golfer’s elbow
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Wrist pain
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Finger numbness
Hip and Leg Conditions
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Hip pain and hip flexor tightness
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Gluteal pain
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Piriformis syndrome
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Knee Pain and Runner’s Knee
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Shin splints
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Achilles tendinitis
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Plantar fasciitis
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Heel pain
Pelvic and Core Dysfunction
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Pelvic floor dysfunction
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Deep core instability
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Post-surgical muscular compensation
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Chronic abdominal wall tension
Overuse and Sports Injuries
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Running injuries
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Lifting-related muscle strain
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Repetitive stress injuries
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Chronic tightness limiting performance
If you don’t see your concern listed, let’s talk through it.
The Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling offers a non-surgical, low-intervention option that can often be used alongside medical care and physical therapy.
Clinical experience and research show that dry needling may help:
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Reduce muscular trigger points
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Improve circulation to restricted tissue
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Calm nerve hypersensitivity
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Improve joint mobility
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Restore more efficient muscle function
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Decrease pain intensity
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Support faster recovery
Many patients begin to notice early improvement in pain and mobility within the first few sessions.
Over time, patients often experience reduced pain and muscular tension, better range of motion, less nerve-related irritation, better tolerance to movement and exercise, and greater ease in daily activity.
Learn What Progress Could Look Like for You
Why Choose Our Integrative Dry Needling
Everybody Healing Center is for people who want real relief and thoughtful, evidence-based care.
Because we understand both acupuncture and dry needling at an advanced level, we can determine whether your pain is muscular, nerve-driven, systemic, or part of a larger pattern and choose the most appropriate approach rather than defaulting to one technique.
Our care is never one-size-fits-all. Every treatment plan is individualized, reassessed regularly, and adjusted based on how your body responds over time, not on a preset protocol.
We take a measured, safety-first approach. You’ll receive clear explanations, realistic expectations, and care that is intentional, precise, and guided by long-term functional progressnot quick fixes.
Dr. Christopher Johnson
Licensed Acupuncturist | Doctor of Chinese Medicine | Master of Acupuncture
Dr. Christopher Johnson brings advanced orthopedic training alongside his background in Chinese medicine. His clinical focus includes chronic pain, nerve-related conditions, and complex musculoskeletal and neuromuscular patterns.
Dr. Chris is the only therapist in the Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area with extensive training in both dry needling and orthopedic acupuncture. He understands how dry needling fits within modern orthopedic care and western medicine — and where it adds value beyond medication or passive treatment alone.
His style is calm, honest, and direct. As a patient, you can expect to be assessed thoroughly, treated intentionally, and guided through care that prioritizes real functional progress.
What to Expect From Your Consultation
1. Easy arrival and a calm clinic space.
You’ll be greeted by the front desk. Parking is easy and free at our shared building.
2. A longer, unhurried first visit.
We take time to assess movement, strength, posture, and pain referral patterns.
3. Thorough intake and orthopedic assessment
We evaluate how your muscles, joints, and nerves are interacting.
4. Clear explanations.
We explain what’s tight, what’s compensating, and how we plan to treat pain effectively.
5. Treatment can begin right away.
If you move forward with a treatment plan, dry needling may begin at your first visit.
6. Clear next steps, no pressure.
You’ll leave knowing what ongoing care may look like.
Functional Dry Needling FAQs
What is Dry Needling Therapy?
Dry needling is a modern orthopedic technique that uses thin, sterile needles to target muscular trigger points and neuromuscular dysfunction. It is commonly used in sports medicine and rehabilitation settings to treat pain, improve mobility, and restore proper muscle activation.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Dry needling works by inserting thin needles into specific muscular trigger points. This may create a local twitch response, which helps release tight muscle fibers, improve blood flow, and reduce nerve irritation. The goal is to reset dysfunctional movement patterns so the body can relieve pain more effectively.
Who Is Not A Candidate for Dry Needling?
Dry needling is more about timing than eligibility. It’s a more intense technique where we actively stimulate muscles to create a twitch response. That’s often what makes it effective, but it can also leave you very sore for a day or three - especially if you don’t work out regularly. If we think your system isn’t going to tolerate that level of stimulation well, we won’t recommend starting with dry needling. The degree to which we use dry needling depends on how you’re likely to respond and recover.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Muscles treated with dry needling may produce what’s called a local twitch response – a brief, involuntary contraction that signals the muscle is releasing tension and resetting its firing pattern. So, you may feel a brief twitch or deep ache when the muscle releases. Mild soreness afterward is common and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Serious side effects are rare. If you’ve had painful flare-ups from dry needling elsewhere, it’s often because too much was done too soon. That’s where Dr. Christopher’s Chinese medicine background matters. Our intake process helps us determine how your system is likely to respond before we decide how aggressively to treat it.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Dry Needling?
Temporary soreness, fatigue, or light bruising may occur. A worsening of pain is possible if dry needling is done improperly or too aggressively. That’s why we review your health history carefully and adjust treatment based on how your body is likely to respond.
Is Dry Needling the Same as Acupuncture?
No. Acupuncture is a complete medical system rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dry needling is an orthopedic technique focused on muscular trigger points and neuromuscular dysfunction. Dr. Christopher is extensively trained in both and can determine which is most appropriate for your condition.
How Long Does Dry Needling Last?
Most routine dry needling sessions last between 25 and 60 minutes, depending on your presentation and what we’re treating. More time doesn’t equal more healing. The goal isn’t to needle as much as possible – it’s to use the right amount of stimulation for your body.
Does Insurance Cover Dry Needling?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance policies cover dry needling when billed under acupuncture or neuromuscular treatment codes, while others do not. Many patients use HSA or FSA funds. We can provide a courtesy benefits check during your initial consultation so you understand your options clearly.
How Often Can You Do Dry Needling?
Frequency depends on your condition and how long it has been present. Acute injuries may respond quickly. Chronic pain often requires consistency to create lasting change.
Book Your Dry Needling Appointment Today
If you’ve tried everything else and still feel stuck, dry needling may offer the targeted reset your body needs.
Evidence-based care.
Clear next steps.
Our Patients Come to Us From...
Everybody Healing Center is located in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Many of our patients are also from St. Louis Park and Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
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Golden Valley
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Minneapolis
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St. Louis Park
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Plymouth
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Minnetonka
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Hopkins
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Edina
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Wayzata
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New Hope
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Crystal
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Robbinsdale
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Brooklyn Center
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Brooklyn Park
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Maple Grove
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Eden Prairie
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