How Dry Needling and the Graston Technique Work Together to Relieve Muscle Pain
Many chiropractic patients deal with muscle tightness, stiffness or that deep “knot” that seems impossible to get rid of. These issues can come from work stress, long hours sitting, workouts, sports or old injuries. When muscle tissue becomes tight or irritated, it can limit your movement and create ongoing pain.
One of the most effective treatment combinations for relieving this kind of muscle discomfort is dry needling with electrical stimulation (e-stim) paired with the Graston Technique. When used together, these two approaches help release tight muscles, improve mobility and support your body’s natural healing process.
What Is Dry Needling With E-Stim?
Dry needling uses a very thin, flexible needle that’s inserted into tight or irritated spots in a muscle-usually areas where you feel tension or tenderness. Nothing is injected. The goal is to help the muscle relax from the inside out.
In our office, dry needling is paired with electrical stimulation. Small clips attach to the needles, and a gentle electrical current creates a light pulsing or tapping sensation. This helps the muscle release more fully and more comfortably.
The electrical stimulation helps:
Relax tight muscles
Reduce pain signals
Increase blood flow
Speed up healing
Most patients find the pulsing sensation unusual but not painful-and many say it feels like the muscle is finally “letting go.”
What Is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique uses stainless steel instruments to help break up tightness and improve the way soft tissue moves. Instead of using hands, your chiropractor uses smooth tools that glide over the skin while applying pressure.
This technique helps:
Release stubborn knots
Break down scar tissue
Improve flexibility
Reduce inflammation
Increase circulation
Patients often describe it as a “deep massage with a tool.” You might feel some pressure or a stretching sensation, but the goal is always to stay within a comfortable range.
Why Dry Needling and Graston Work So Well Together
Dry needling and the Graston Technique complement each other perfectly. Here’s why they make such a powerful combination:
1. Dry needling releases the deepest part of the muscle first
Some tension sits deep below the surface and is hard to reach with hands or tools alone. Dry needling helps relax these deeper areas or trigger points. Once the needle helps release the tightest part of the muscle, the tissue is much more prepared for Graston work.
2. Graston helps smooth out the surface layers of tension afterward
After the deeper muscle fibers relax from dry needling, the Graston Technique helps break up leftover tightness, knots or restrictions closer to the surface. The instruments glide through the tissue more easily because the deeper layers have already loosened.
3. Electrical stimulation “wakes up” the tissue, and Graston helps flush everything out
The gentle electrical impulses bring blood flow to the area and help calm irritated nerves. Then, Graston helps move out old tension and improves circulation even more.
This combination:
Reduces soreness
Helps the tissue heal faster
Restores normal movement
4. Both techniques help reduce pain naturally
Dry needling helps calm down overactive muscles and lowers pain signals. Graston adds soothing pressure and helps the tissue move better, which also decreases pain.
Together, they help your body relax, reset and return to a healthier movement pattern.
5. They help improve posture and mobility
Many chiropractic patients notice:
Better flexibility
Less stiffness
More comfortable movement
Improved posture
Better results from chiropractic adjustments
Once the muscles loosen and the tissue moves better, your whole body begins to function more normally.
What Conditions Benefit From This Combination?
Dry needling with e-stim and the Graston Technique can help with many common chiropractic issues, such as:
Neck pain
Low back pain
Tension headaches
Shoulder tightness
Sciatica-like pain from tight muscles
IT band or hip tightness
Hamstring and calf stiffness
Overuse injuries
Sports-related soreness
It is especially helpful for long-term tightness or muscle tension that keeps coming back.
What to Expect in a Session
A typical treatment session may include:
Assessment – Your chiropractor identifies which muscles are tight or restricted.
Dry Needling – The needles and gentle electrical impulses help the muscle release deeply.
Graston Technique – The instruments smooth out the surrounding tissue and restore normal movement.
Stretching or an Adjustment – Some chiropractors follow up with stretching or an adjustment to help maintain the release.
Many patients feel looser right away, and improvements often continue over the next 24–48 hours.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Both dry needling and the Graston Technique are safe when performed by a trained professional. You may feel mild soreness afterward, similar to a workout, but it usually improves quickly with hydration and light movement.
Final Thoughts
Dry needling and the Graston Technique work extremely well together because they address muscle tension from multiple angles. Dry needling helps release the deep, stubborn areas, while Graston smooths and restores the outer layers. When combined, they offer fast, effective relief for muscle pain and help you move more comfortably.
Reece Kardell