How is dry needling different from acupuncture?

Dry needling uses thin sterile needles inserted into trigger points (tight bands of muscle) based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy and pain science. Acupuncture is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine and follows meridian-based principles. Same needles, very different reasoning.

Why does Georgia require a referral?

Georgia is one of several states that requires a physician referral specifically for dry needling. Once you have a referral, it remains valid for one year. Most primary care doctors and OBs will provide one on request.

Is dry needling safe during pregnancy?

Yes, when done by a clinician trained to treat pregnant patients. Dr. Nicole regularly uses dry needling on pregnant patients dealing with hip, low back, and SI joint pain — including her own three pregnancies. The technique is modified to avoid contraindicated areas.

What does it feel like?

Most patients describe it as a brief muscle twitch or cramp followed by a release of tension. There can be some soreness for a day or two afterwards, similar to post-workout muscle soreness. Pain relief is often immediate.

Dry Needling in Bremen, GA | Bremen Pelvic Health

⚠️ Georgia state law: physician referral required

Unlike most other PT services, Georgia state law requires a physician referral specifically for dry needling. Once you have one, it remains valid for one year. Ask your primary care doctor or OB — most provide them on request.

What dry needling is

Dry needling uses thin, sterile needles inserted into trigger points — tight bands of muscle that are causing pain or restricting movement — to release tension, decrease pain, and improve mobility.

It is not acupuncture. The needles are similar, but dry needling is grounded in Western musculoskeletal anatomy and trigger-point science rather than traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Nicole is certified in dry needling (Cert-DN) and has been using it clinically for years.

Common conditions treated with dry needling

Hip, low back, and SI joint pain
Neck and shoulder muscle tension
Tension-type headaches
Pelvic floor hypertonicity (over-tight pelvic floor muscles)
Athletic recovery and trigger-point release
Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain (yes — dry needling is safe during pregnancy when done by a trained clinician)
Post-surgical scar tissue and adhesions

How to access dry needling

Two ways:

Inside a regular one-hour PT visit. Dry needling is woven into the treatment plan when it is the right tool for what you are working on. No additional cost beyond the standard $125 visit.
As a standalone 30-minute wellness visit. $60. Designed for established patients who know dry needling helps them and want a focused session.

Either way, the referral requirement still applies.

How to get a referral

Most primary care doctors and OBs are happy to provide a dry needling referral on request. Call your doctor's office and ask for "a physical therapy referral that includes dry needling." They write it the same way they write any PT referral.

If you are not sure how to ask, call (678) 304-6313 and Dr. Nicole will walk you through it.

Common questions

How is dry needling different from acupuncture?: Dry needling uses thin sterile needles inserted into trigger points (tight bands of muscle) based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy and pain science. Acupuncture is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine and follows meridian-based principles. Same needles, very different reasoning.
Why does Georgia require a referral?: Georgia is one of several states that requires a physician referral specifically for dry needling. Once you have a referral, it remains valid for one year. Most primary care doctors and OBs will provide one on request.
Is dry needling safe during pregnancy?: Yes, when done by a clinician trained to treat pregnant patients. Dr. Nicole regularly uses dry needling on pregnant patients dealing with hip, low back, and SI joint pain — including her own three pregnancies. The technique is modified to avoid contraindicated areas.
What does it feel like?: Most patients describe it as a brief muscle twitch or cramp followed by a release of tension. There can be some soreness for a day or two afterwards, similar to post-workout muscle soreness. Pain relief is often immediate.
How do I get a referral if I don't have one?: Call your primary care doctor or OB and ask for a "physical therapy referral that includes dry needling." They write it the same way they write any PT referral. If you're not sure how to ask, call (678) 304-6313 and Dr. Nicole will walk you through it.