Overland ParkBlog
February 17, 2026
Dry Needling Overland Park & KC | Certified Myopain Specialists
Author: The TruMove Physical Therapy Clinical Team | Published: February 2026
In the evolving world of sports medicine and physical therapy, few treatments have gained as much traction, and generated as much curiosity, as dry needling. For residents of Overland Park and the broader Kansas City metro, the option for dry needling is now ubiquitous. You can find it in specialized PT clinics, chiropractic offices, and even some performance gyms.
But there is a significant difference between a practitioner who “does” dry needling and a clinic that has pioneered the standard of care for an entire state. At TruMove, we believe that high-quality healthcare requires more than just clinical skill; it requires advocacy, education, and a commitment to the most rigorous certification standards available.
The TruMove Legacy: Legalizing Dry Needling in Kansas
A Hidden Gem of Kansas Medical History
Many patients are surprised to learn that dry needling was not always a standard option in Kansas physical therapy. In the mid-2010s, the practice occupied a legal “gray area” that limited patient access to this life-changing treatment. TruMove didn’t just watch from the sidelines—we stepped into the legislative arena.
Our clinical leaders worked hand-in-hand with the Kansas Legislature and the Board of Healing Arts to testify, educate, and craft the language that eventually became K.A.R. 100-29-18. We spent countless hours in Topeka explaining the neurophysiology of the “Local Twitch Response” to lawmakers, ensuring they understood that dry needling is a Western, evidence-based medical intervention, not an alternative energy therapy.
By championing these regulations, we helped ensure that every Kansan receiving dry needling today is protected by strict educational requirements. When you visit TruMove, you aren’t just visiting a clinic; you are visiting the advocates who helped make your treatment legal and safe.
As the first physical therapy clinic to introduce dry needling to the Kansas City area, TruMove has spent over a decade refining the integration of needle therapy with functional movement science.
What Exactly is Dry Needling? (The Science of the “Reset”)
Dry needling is a technique used to treat myofascial trigger points—those sensitive, painful “knots” you feel in your muscles after a long day at the desk or a heavy training session at Corporate Woods. These trigger points are essentially microscopic “crashes” in your muscle fibers where the tissue has become stuck in a state of constant contraction.
Using a sterile, ultra-thin filiform needle, a certified Physical Therapist targets these points with surgical precision. Unlike a massage, which works the surface of the muscle, the needle can reach deep into the “motor end plate,” the spot where your nerve meets your muscle. When the needle hits the target, it elicits a Local Twitch Response (LTR).
“Think of the Local Twitch Response as a hard reboot for your computer. It breaks the cycle of chronic contraction, floods the area with fresh oxygenated blood, and lowers the acidity (pH) of the tissue to promote instant healing.”
Overland Park Use Cases: Tech Neck to Marathon Training
In a city like Overland Park, our bodies face two primary extremes: the sedentary strain of the “office athlete” and the high-impact demands of the “weekend warrior.”
1. The “Tech Neck” Crisis
With thousands of professionals working in the KC metro’s tech and finance sectors, we see an epidemic of postural dysfunction. Sitting for 8-10 hours a day causes the muscles in the front of the neck (SCM) to shorten and the muscles in the back (Upper Traps and Levator Scapulae) to become chronically overstretched and “knotted.” Dry needling is uniquely effective at releasing these deep cervical trigger points that manual massage simply cannot reach, often providing immediate relief from tension headaches.
2. The KC Runner’s Recovery
Whether you’re training for the Hospital Hill Run or the Kansas City Marathon, overuse injuries like Plantar Fasciitis and IT Band Syndrome are common. At TruMove, we use dry needling to release the lateral quad and gluteal muscles that often pull on the IT band. By restoring proper muscle length, we allow our runners to return to their mileage faster than through stretching alone.
The Myopain Standard: Why Certification Matters
This is where “hidden gems” of information are vital for a patient’s safety. As dry needling has become a “must-have” service, many clinics have opted for “Level 1” certifications, often a single weekend of training.
Leadership in Education: From TruMove to the National Stage
Our commitment to dry needling excellence isn’t just local; it’s baked into our history. A prime example of our expertise is Ethan McCoy. Ethan began his journey as a Physical Therapist right here at TruMove, where he honed his skills and shared our passion for clinical precision. His mastery of the craft was so evident that he now serves as an instructor for Myopain Seminars, teaching the next generation of therapists across the country.
Watch Ethan McCoy discuss the “30-second primer” on dry needling and how it resets muscle dysfunction [00:00:23].
In the video above, Ethan explains how a simple monofilament needle can trigger a “mini spasm” or twitch response in a muscle knot [00:00:41]. This process releases trapped chemicals and restores blood flow, leading to immediate improvements in range of motion and pain reduction [00:00:52]. When we say we follow the MyoPain standard, we mean it—our legacy includes the very people who define that standard nationwide.
At TruMove, we host and attend Myopain Seminars. Why? Because Myopain is the global leader in trigger point education, founded on the research of Dr. Janet Travell. A Myopain-certified therapist must complete three intensive levels of training, pass rigorous practical exams, and demonstrate a mastery of surface anatomy.
Spotting a “Knock-Off” Clinic
We frequently see patients who come to us after having a “bad experience” elsewhere. Often, they were treated by someone using “dry needling” as a buzzword but lacking the anatomical depth to actually find the trigger point. If your provider isn’t looking for that specific twitch response, or if they are simply placing needles and walking away, you may be receiving a “knock-off” version of the therapy.
Your Journey at TruMove: A Step-by-Step Guide
What to Expect During Your First Session
- The Movement Assessment: We never start with needles. We start by watching how you move. We identify the *why* behind your pain. Is your neck hurting because your mid-back is stiff?
- Anatomical Mapping: Your PT will palpate (feel) the muscle tissue to locate the exact “taut band” and “nodule” that constitutes a trigger point.
- The Insertion: You may feel a tiny “prick” as the needle passes the skin, but most patients don’t feel much until the needle reaches the trigger point.
- The Twitch: Once the needle engages the trigger point, you will feel a brief, deep cramp or a “jump” in the muscle. This is the goal. It lasts only a second.
- Post-Needle Integration: We don’t just “needle and go.” We immediately follow up with movement, stretching, or loading the muscle to “teach” it how to function in its newly relaxed state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. While they use the same tools, the “map” is different. Acupuncture follows meridians; dry needling follows your actual anatomy—nerves, muscles, and fascia.
Can I go to the gym after a session?
We generally recommend “active recovery.” Think a light walk or easy yoga. Avoid a “Personal Best” lifting session for 24-48 hours to let the muscle fibers recover from the twitch response.
Is it covered by insurance?
In Kansas, many insurance plans only cover the “Physical Therapy” portion of the visit. We provide full transparency on costs before your first session.
What are the risks?
Because we helped write the regulations in Kansas, we adhere to the highest safety standards. The most common side effect is mild “muscle soreness” similar to what you’d feel after a hard workout.
Conclusion: Trust the Pioneers
When you choose a dry needling provider in Overland Park or the Kansas City metro, you are choosing who to trust with your neuromuscular health. At TruMove, we offer more than just a service, we offer the expertise of the people who helped bring this science to the state. Whether you are battling a chronic headache or a sports injury, we are here to help you move better, feel better, and live better.
