Unlock Faster Healing: How Dry Needling Helps Runners Recover and Stay Strong
Runners put their bodies through a lot—high mileage, tough workouts, and the occasional nagging injury. Whether you’re dealing with a muscle strain, tendon irritation, or a lingering soft tissue issue, dry needling can be a powerful tool in your recovery and injury management plan.
At Crew Physical Therapy, all of our providers are trained in dry needling, and we incorporate it as part of a comprehensive treatment approach to help individuals heal, reduce pain, and get back to training stronger than before.
Why dry needling works for runners
Unlike foam rolling or massage, which primarily work at the surface level, dry needling targets the root of the dysfunction—deep within the muscle, tendon, ligament, or even along nerve pathways.
Here’s how it works:
Stimulates Healing – The tiny needle creates a controlled microtrauma that kickstarts the body’s natural healing process, increasing blood flow and tissue repair.
Reduces Pain & Tension – Whether it’s tight calves, a cranky Achilles, or hamstring irritation, dry needling helps reset muscle function and improve movement patterns.
Enhances Recovery – It’s great for post-race soreness, high-mileage fatigue, or as part of a structured rehab plan for running-related injuries.
When should runners consider dry needling?
If you’re dealing with a running-related injury – Muscle strains, tendon issues (Achilles, hamstring, runner’s knee), and even stubborn conditions like IT Band Syndrome can benefit from dry needling as part of a well-rounded rehab approach.
Before a race – A pre-race session can help release tight muscles and prime your legs for performance with minimal post-treatment soreness.
After a tough training block – Aid recovery, reduce stiffness, and keep your body moving well between hard efforts.
At Crew Physical Therapy, we use dry needling alongside strength training, movement analysis, and other hands-on treatments to create the best outcomes for runners. Whether you’re bouncing back from an injury or looking to stay ahead of one, this technique can be a game-changer in your training.
Ready to train pain-free? Book a dry needling session with our team today!
