Maximizing Pain Relief: Combining Joint Manipulation with Dry Needling for Longer-Lasting Results

In the world of physical therapy, finding the right combination of treatments can be the key to unlocking long-term relief for patients dealing with pain and mobility issues. One of the most effective approaches I’ve found in my practice at Advantage Therapy is the combination of joint manipulations and soft tissue treatments, particularly dry needling. This synergy between structural and muscular interventions not only provides immediate pain relief but also promotes longer-lasting functional improvements.

Why Combine Joint Manipulation and Soft Tissue Work?

Many patients suffering from conditions like low back pain, sciatica, shoulder dysfunction, or chronic tension have both joint restrictions and myofascial dysfunction. Addressing one without the other often leads to short-term relief but not long-term resolution.

By using joint manipulation, we restore proper mobility to restricted segments, allowing the body to move more freely. However, if the surrounding soft tissues remain tight, dysfunctional, or hypersensitive, the restriction is likely to return.

This is where dry needling and soft tissue work come in—targeting trigger points, reducing muscle tension, and improving blood flow to help sustain the benefits of joint realignment.

What the Research Says

A growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of combining these techniques:

• Joint Manipulation for Pain Relief & MobilityA 2020 study in The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy found that spinal manipulations significantly improve mobility and reduce pain in patients with mechanical low back pain (Millan et al., 2020). However, the effects were more sustained when combined with adjunctive soft tissue work.

  
  

• Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain & FunctionA systematic review published in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that dry needling significantly reduces pain and improves muscle function, particularly in chronic musculoskeletal conditions (Dunning et al., 2019).

  
  
  
  

• Combination Approach for Enhanced ResultsA 2021 randomized controlled trial in Pain Medicine compared spinal manipulation alone versus manipulation plus dry needling in patients with chronic low back pain. The study found that patients who received both treatments reported longer-lasting relief, improved mobility, and decreased reliance on pain medications (Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al., 2021).

How We Apply This at Advantage Therapy

At Advantage Therapy, we take an individualized, hands-on approach to treatment, ensuring that both joint and soft tissue dysfunctions are addressed. Here’s how a typical session might look:

1. Thorough Assessment – Evaluating joint mobility, muscle tightness, and movement patterns.

2. Joint Manipulation (if indicated) – High-velocity, low-amplitude thrust techniques to restore mobility.

3. Dry Needling & Soft Tissue Mobilization – Using dry needling, cupping, or deep tissue work to release trigger points and improve tissue flexibility.

4. Movement Retraining – Teaching patients corrective exercises to reinforce proper movement and prevent future dysfunction.

The Bottom Line

The combination of joint manipulation and dry needling is proving to be a game-changer for many patients. By treating both joint and muscle dysfunction, we provide not just temporary relief, but longer-lasting functional improvement.

If you're dealing with chronic pain, movement restrictions, or recurring injuries, this multimodal approach could be the key to finally achieving lasting results. Contact Advantage Therapy today at (702) 803-3042 or visit advantagetherapy.vegas to learn more about how we can help you move better and feel better—for good.