Dry Needling in Stow, Ohio
At SCOR Performance & Recovery, Dr. Austin Foguth uses dry needling to help athletes and active individuals move freely, reduce pain, and restore peak performance. This targeted treatment releases muscle tension, improves blood flow, and promotes natural healing throughout the body.
What Is Dry Needling
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile needles to target trigger points within muscles. These trigger points, often called knots, can develop from overuse, poor posture, or repetitive movement patterns. When left untreated, they cause discomfort, tightness, and reduced mobility.
When the needle is inserted into these tight areas, it stimulates a natural response in the body. The muscle releases, circulation improves, and the nervous system begins to reset. The result is decreased pain, better flexibility, and improved muscle activation.
While dry needling may sound similar to acupuncture, the two are very different. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine, while dry needling is rooted in modern anatomy and neuroscience. Dr. Austin uses dry needling to target specific muscles and trigger points that are affecting your performance or comfort.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Athletes and active individuals choose dry needling because of its ability to deliver fast and lasting relief. It is one of the most effective ways to release tight muscles, reduce pain, and restore natural movement patterns.
- Reduced muscle tension and tightness that limit range of motion
- Improved blood flow to promote faster recovery and tissue repair
- Decreased inflammation and soreness following training or injury
- Better muscle activation for improved performance and control
- Relief from chronic pain caused by trigger points or overuse
- Enhanced flexibility and mobility to support athletic performance
Dry needling can be used as part of a comprehensive physical therapy or recovery program, helping you train harder, move better, and recover faster.
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling
Dry needling is ideal for anyone dealing with muscular pain, tension, or restricted movement. It is commonly used to treat athletes who experience stiffness, muscle fatigue, or overuse injuries.
Dr. Austin Foguth often recommends dry needling for:
- Runners and lifters with hamstring or calf tightness
- Athletes experiencing shoulder or neck stiffness
- Individuals with lower back or hip pain
- People recovering from sports injuries or muscle strains
- Anyone dealing with chronic tension from training or repetitive motion
Whether you are a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who simply wants to move more comfortably, dry needling can help restore balance and function in your muscles.
The process
How it works
Three stages, in order. Skipping the third is why injuries come back.
01
ASSESS
A full movement assessment to find the cause, not just where it hurts.
02
TREAT
Hands-on work and targeted techniques to bring the pain down fast.
03
REBUILD
Strength and movement retraining so the same injury does not return.
How Dry Needling Works
When a muscle becomes tight or develops a trigger point, it can restrict movement and cause pain in other areas of the body. Dr. Austin uses dry needling to release these points and restore normal muscle function.
During treatment, a fine, sterile needle is gently inserted into the muscle. This creates a local twitch response, which is a small, quick contraction of the muscle. This response helps release tension, increase blood flow, and trigger the body's natural healing process.
The result is reduced pain, improved mobility, and better muscle performance. Most clients notice a difference after just one or two sessions, though long-term improvement comes from combining dry needling with corrective exercise and mobility work.
The SCOR Difference
At SCOR Performance & Recovery, dry needling is not used as a stand-alone treatment. It is part of a comprehensive recovery and performance plan designed to help athletes feel and move their best.
Dr. Austin Foguth combines dry needling with manual therapy, guided movement, and performance-based training to ensure results last beyond the session. He takes the time to understand your goals, analyze your movement patterns, and identify exactly where muscle dysfunction is occurring.
This individualized approach ensures that each treatment is effective, comfortable, and aligned with your performance needs. Whether you are managing soreness from competition, recovering after a workout, or addressing long-standing pain, Dr. Austin Foguth uses dry needling to help you move more efficiently and with less discomfort.
Clients from Stow, Hudson, Kent, Tallmadge, Akron, and surrounding areas trust SCOR because of the clinic's evidence-based, athlete-centered care. The focus is always on long-term results, not temporary relief.
Common Areas Treated with Dry Needling
- Neck and shoulders for tension or posture-related pain
- Upper and lower back for chronic stiffness or soreness
- Hips, glutes, and hamstrings for running or lifting performance
- Calves and feet for plantar fasciitis or ankle tightness
- Forearms and hands for repetitive strain from sports or training
By addressing each of these areas directly, dry needling helps restore symmetry and balance throughout the body, allowing for smoother, more efficient movement.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
Your dry needling session begins with a full assessment of your symptoms, posture, and movement patterns. Dr. Austin will identify the muscles contributing to your discomfort and explain how dry needling will be applied.
You may feel a quick, deep ache or twitch response during treatment, which is a normal sign that the muscle is releasing tension. Most clients report immediate relief and an increased sense of flexibility afterward.
After the session, mild soreness can occur for a short period, similar to post-workout muscle fatigue. Gentle movement, hydration, and light stretching typically help speed recovery and enhance results.
Serving Stow and Summit County
SCOR sees clients from Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Munroe Falls, Tallmadge, Kent, Silver Lake and Akron. The clinic is on Darrow Road with parking at the door.
Before you book
Common questions, answered properly
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
In most cases, no. Ohio is a direct access state, so you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. You can book an evaluation today.
What does cash-based physical therapy actually cost?
You pay per session rather than through insurance, and you know the number before you book. SCOR provides a superbill you submit to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for physical therapy?
Yes — both cover physical therapy. Bring the card to your session and it is treated like any other qualified medical expense.
Let's find out what's actually wrong
Book an evaluation online, or call and talk it through first.
