What Makes Our Approach Different
Dry Needling in Greenville, SC
Dr. William Hendry combines traditional dry needling with his 25 years of acupuncture expertise to target trigger points more precisely than typical physical therapy approaches. Unlike basic dry needling practitioners with minimal training, his comprehensive background allows integration with functional medicine assessment and electroacupuncture enhancement when needed.
His unique credentials—Secretary of the SC Acupuncture Advisory Committee and co-author of pain management research—mean you receive evidence-based trigger point protocols rather than cookie-cutter muscle treatments.
How Dry Needling Actually Works
Dry needling inserts thin needles directly into muscle trigger points—tight knots that refer pain to other areas. The needle creates a local twitch response that releases tension and restores normal muscle function. This isn't the same as acupuncture points; we're targeting specific muscular dysfunction.
Dr. Hendry's approach identifies why trigger points developed initially. His functional medicine training reveals underlying inflammatory markers, postural imbalances, and movement patterns that create recurring muscle tension. Without addressing root causes, trigger points return within weeks.
The difference: Most practitioners treat surface symptoms. We identify and correct the underlying dysfunction causing trigger point formation, preventing recurrence.
💡 Trigger Point Discovery: One trigger point can refer pain to areas up to 12 inches away—your shoulder pain might actually be coming from a knot in your neck muscle.
What We Treat Most Effectively.
Consult your physician before combining with existing treatments for serious medical conditions
Neck and Shoulder Tension
- Cervical trigger points causing headaches
- Upper trap and levator scapulae tightness
- Tech neck from computer work
- Whiplash-related muscle dysfunction
Back Pain Conditions
- Lumbar paraspinal trigger points
- Piriformis syndrome and sciatica
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Post-surgical muscle guarding
Sports Injuries
- IT band syndrome and runner's knee
- Tennis/golfer's elbow trigger points
- Rotator cuff impingement patterns
- Calf and hamstring tightness
Chronic Pain Patterns
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia tender points
- TMJ-related jaw muscle tension
- Chronic fatigue muscle dysfunction
🧠 Neural Reset: The "twitch response" during dry needling actually resets the neural circuit controlling that muscle, breaking the pain-spasm-pain cycle instantly.
What The Data Shows
Tension Headaches
80%
80% reduction in frequency when cervical trigger points addressed
Individual results vary based on condition severity and patient compliance
Acute Muscle Pain
90%
90% experience immediate relief during first session
Individual results vary based on condition severity and patient compliance
Chronic Trigger Points
75%
75% achieve lasting improvement within 4-6 treatments
Individual results vary based on condition severity and patient compliance
🎯 Precision Targeting: Dry needling can release trigger points that have been locked in spasm for years within seconds—the muscle literally "jumps" as it releases.
What to Expect During Treatment
First Visit (45-60 minutes)
Dr. Hendry conducts movement assessment, identifies trigger point patterns, and explains how muscle dysfunction connects to your symptoms. He maps specific points contributing to your pain referral patterns.
Treatment Sessions
Sterile needles inserted directly into trigger points until local twitch response occurs. You'll feel brief muscle contractions followed by immediate relaxation. Sessions last 20-30 minutes depending on areas treated.
Timeline for Results
Most patients experience immediate pain relief during treatment. Muscle soreness for 24-48 hours is normal as tissues remodel. Chronic trigger points typically require 4-8 sessions over 6-8 weeks for lasting change.
Potential Side Effects
Mild muscle soreness lasting 1-2 days occurs in 80% of patients. Occasional light bruising at needle sites. Rare complications include pneumothorax if performed improperly—Dr. Hendry's medical training ensures safe technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
Dry needling targets muscle trigger points causing pain, while acupuncture treats energy meridians for whole-body balance.
Both use identical needles but different point locations and treatment goals. Dry needling focuses on muscular dysfunction and pain patterns, typically requiring fewer sessions for acute issues. Acupuncture addresses systemic health problems beyond just muscles. Dr. Hendry's training in both allows optimal technique selection for your specific condition and pain pattern.
Does dry needling hurt and what should I expect to feel?
Most patients feel brief pinching during insertion, followed by muscle twitching as the trigger point releases.
The "twitch response" indicates successful treatment but can feel surprising initially. Post-treatment soreness lasting 24-48 hours is normal and actually beneficial—it signals tissue remodeling and healing. Pain levels are typically 2-4 out of 10, much less than trigger point massage. If you're needle-phobic, we can start with gentler techniques and progress gradually as comfort increases.
How many dry needling sessions will I need and how often?
Acute muscle problems typically need 3-5 sessions over 2-3 weeks, while chronic trigger points require 6-8 sessions over 6-8 weeks.
Session frequency starts at 2x weekly, then reduces to weekly as improvement occurs. Maintenance sessions monthly may be needed for chronic conditions or high-stress occupations. Progress is monitored closely—if no improvement after 3 sessions, we reassess the approach or consider combination with other treatments like functional medicine to address underlying causes.
Safety & Compliance
All needles FDA-approved, sterile, single-use
Professional liability insurance maintained
Practice operates under SC Board of Medical Examiners oversight
Ready to Begin Your Dry Needling Journey?
Call (864) 365-6156 to schedule your dry needling consultation at Integrative Health Partners, 319 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609.
During your first visit, Dr. Hendry will identify specific trigger points contributing to your pain and explain how his integrated approach addresses both symptoms and underlying causes. You'll understand why previous treatments may have provided only temporary relief.
Serving patients from Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Travelers Rest, and throughout the Upstate.