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Electric Dry Needling in Ellisville, MO: Advanced Pain Relief at Integrative Therapeutics

Updated: Jan 9


Integrative physical therapist placing sterile monofilament single use needles into a patient's back for pain management


Are you searching for effective, lasting pain relief in Ellisville or the greater St. Louis area? Electric dry needling is a cutting-edge therapy offered at Integrative Therapeutics, your local Ellisville clinic, that combines traditional dry needling with gentle electrical stimulation. This modern approach targets muscle pain, chronic tightness, and sports injuries—helping you recover faster and get back to what you love.



What is Dry Needling Therapy?


Dry needling, also known as trigger point dry needling, is a modern physical therapy technique that uses fine, sterile needles to target myofascial trigger points and relieve musculoskeletal pain. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western medicine principles and is highly effective for treating chronic pain, muscle tightness, and sports injuries. Electric dry needling—which pairs traditional needling with electrical stimulation—offers even greater pain relief and faster recovery for many patients in Ellisville and beyond.


Integrative physical therapist placing single use monofilament needles into a patient's heel for achilles tendonitis


How Does Dry Needling Work?


During an electric dry needling session at our Ellisville clinic, Dr. Didlake, a licensed physical therapist with over 15 years experience, inserts ultra-thin, single-use needles into specific areas of the body—often where muscles are tight or painful. These needles are about 60-65% smaller than typical injection needles, making the procedure virtually painless for most people. Once the needles are in place, a gentle electrical current is applied. This combination has been shown to:

  • Reduce pain in both acute and chronic conditions

  • Improve blood flow to injured tissues

  • Reduce inflammation at the cellular level

  • Enhance collagen synthesis for tissue repair

  • Potentially reduce reliance on opioid medications



Common Conditions Treated with Dry Needling


At Integrative Therapeutics, we use electric dry needling to help patients with a wide range of conditions, including:





Electric Dry Needling vs. Traditional Dry Needling


While traditional dry needling involves manual needle techniques, electric dry needling (also called electro-dry needling) pairs in-situ needles with mild electrical stimulation for enhanced results.


Modern techniques include:

  • In-situ needling: Leaving needles in place for a set period

  • Fanning: Redirecting the needle to treat a broader area

  • Coning: Creating a three-dimensional treatment pattern

  • Electrical stimulation: Applying a gentle current for enhanced results


Physical Therapist removing needles from patient following an electric dry needling session for low back pain

Our Ellisville clinic almost always incorporates electrical stimulation with dry needling treatments, delivering better results than either technique alone.



Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What's the Difference?


While both dry needling and acupuncture use similar thin needles, their philosophies and applications differ:

Dry Needling

Acupuncture

Based on Western medicine and physiology

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine

Targets specific musculoskeletal dysfunctions

Aims to balance energy (Qi) flow along meridians

Focuses on trigger points and tissue healing

Addresses energy pathways

Performed by a licensed physical therapist

Performed by licensed acupuncturists


What to Expect During Your Electric Dry Needling Treatment


Your session will be performed by a qualified healthcare professional specially trained in electric dry needling. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Assessment: The practitioner identifies the appropriate treatment areas.

  2. Needle Insertion: Ultra-thin, single-use sterile needles are gently inserted.

  3. Sensation: You may feel a brief muscle twitch or dull ache—a positive response!

  4. Electrical Stimulation: Applied at therapeutic frequencies for enhanced effect.

  5. Duration: Needles typically remain in place for 15-20 minutes.

  6. Aftercare: You may experience immediate relief or improvement within 24-48 hours. Mild soreness or bruising, similar to post-exercise soreness, is normal and usually resolves within 24-48 hours.



What Sets Us Apart: Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling


At Integrative Therapeutics in Ellisville, we’re proud to offer ultrasound-guided dry needling—an advanced approach that sets us apart from other clinics. By using real-time diagnostic ultrasound imaging, our fellowship-trained integrative physical therapist can visualize muscles, tendons, fascia, and nerves beneath your skin!


Integrative physical therapist using a handheld ultrasound device to locate painful tissues while simultaneously placing a needle into the damaged tissue area
Ultrasound Guided Dry Needling

This technology allows us to:

  • Pinpoint the exact tissues causing your pain

  • Avoid sensitive structures (like blood vessels and nerves)

  • Deliver the needle and electrical stimulation directly to the target area


Ultrasound guidance ensures that every treatment is as safe, precise, and effective as possible, leading to faster relief and superior clinical outcomes for a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you’re suffering from deep muscle pain, complex injuries, or chronic issues that haven’t responded to other treatments, ultrasound-guided electric dry needling provides an unparalleled level of accuracy.



Is Electric Dry Needling Right for You?


Electric dry needling is a safe and effective treatment when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for those suffering from acute or chronic pain. It's particularly beneficial for conditions that haven't responded well to other approaches.


However, dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone, including those with:

  • Needle phobias

  • Certain bleeding disorders

  • Compromised immune systems

  • Pregnancy (in specific areas)


FAQ Regarding Electric Dry Needling


  1. Is dry needling painful?

Dry needling is not painful. However, dry needling can cause soreness for 24-48 hours following treatment. Some patients report sensations of a deep ache, tingling, or euphoria.


  1. How many sessions of electric dry needling will I need?

The number of sessions will vary per person, and per condition. However, a general number of electric dry needling sessions can range anywhere from 4-10.


  1. Is dry needling covered by insurance?

Dry needling is not covered by insurance. However, FSA and HSA can be used to pay for dry needling services.


  1. What's the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

The biggest difference between the two treatments is that dry needling is based on Western Medicine research, whereas acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.


  1. Are there any side effects of electric dry needling?

Most patients have little to no side effects following an electric dry needling treatment. However, some patients can feel lethargic, sleepy, light headed, euphoric, sore, or achy.


Experience the Difference at Integrative Therapeutics


When you choose us for electric dry needling in Ellisville, you’re getting the latest in musculoskeletal care. Our combination of advanced ultrasound-guided techniques and electrical stimulation therapy means you benefit from the most targeted, effective, and innovative dry needling treatments available in the St. Louis area.


If you're tired of living with pain, electric dry needling might be the solution you've been searching for. Our fellowship trained osteopractic physical therapist will assess your condition and determine if this approach could benefit you.


Contact us today at 636.777.0973 to schedule your appointment or book online.



Here's to your health, and your recovery!


Dr. David Didlake, DPT

PT, Cert. SMT/DN, CSCS, Cert. TPI Medical Level 3, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT

Owner, Integrative Therapeutics "Home of the Saint Louis Golf Doc"

Follow me @theintegrativeclinic @thestlgolfdoc


About the Author

Dr. David Didlake, PT, DPT is a fellowship trained integrative physical therapist and golf performance specialist with extensive experience in sports injury recovery, headache management, and spine related conditions. He holds advanced certifications in manual therapy, dry needling, and golf performance, and as owner of Integrative Therapeutics, he is passionate about helping active adults achieve their goals safely and effectively.


Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment or therapy.


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References

For those interested in the scientific evidence behind electric dry needling, we've included some key research citations:

  1. Butts R, et al. (2021) - Electric dry needling and chronic pain management

  2. Dunning J, et al. (2014) - Effectiveness of dry needling with electrical stimulation

  3. Fang J. (2014) - Neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture

  4. Lima RC, et al. (2010) - Electroacupuncture and blood flow

  5. Almeida RT, et al. (2014) - Anti-inflammatory effects of electrical stimulation

  6. Corbett MS, et al. (2013) - Acupuncture and osteoarthritis

  7. Dunning J, et al. (2022) - TMJ dysfunction and needling therapy


 
 
 

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