Experience effective results to improve pain

Recover quicker with Dry Needling

Dry needling is a widely used technique performed by physical therapists to promote healing, reduce pain, and relieve muscle spasms. It targets trigger points and tightness, helping to improve muscle, joint, and ligament function. Backed by evidence-based research, dry needling is a powerful tool to support your recovery and help you return to the activities you love—without limitations.

Feel the results
after your first visit
Safe and effective treatment
for many conditions
great way to jumpstart
your healing process

Dry needling helps "reset" your muscles for improved symptoms.

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Experience Top-Notch Rehabilitation

About East West Wellness & Rehab

East West Wellness & Rehab was founded by Dr. Katherin Duong, a licensed physical therapist, with a mission to bridge the gaps in our current healthcare system and offer integrative, patient-centered care. Rooted in her upbringing with traditional Chinese medicine and shaped by her clinical expertise in physical therapy, Dr. Duong brings together the best of Eastern and Western practices to expand healing options for her patients. Her approach goes beyond treating the physical body — creating a contemporary healing experience that deepens the connection between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

East West Wellness & Rehab offers physical therapy, cupping therapy, dry needling, personal training, and Reiki services. Every session is one-on-one with our licensed physical therapist, allowing us to understand your specific goals and tailor your wellness + rehab program to fit your lifestyle. Along with the personalized visits, our comprehensive care utilizing holistic modalities and patient-collaborative care helps you achieve amazing results in a shorter period of time.

Our team has worked with people of all ages and varying injuries, getting them long-lasting results. We specialize in cupping therapy, dry needling, and treating back pain, but have extensive experience with return-to-sport athletes, knee pain, ankle sprains, shoulder injuries, headaches, chronic pain conditions, and much more.

Our goal is always to help you move better, feel better, and function better. We are passionate about patient education and empowering individuals to take an active role in their healing process to achieve optimal wellbeing.

Our office is located on Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria, VA and is easily accessible to the people of Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton, Kingstowne, Franconia, Burke, Annandale, Fairfax, and Merrifield.

Meet the Therapist

Dr. Kathy Duong

Founder, Physical Therapist

Meet the Therapist

Why Dry Needling with East West Will Get You Results

Common Injuries We Can
Heal with Dry Needling

Dry needling is a safe and effective technique often used by physical therapists to help reduce muscle tension, promote blood flow, and decrease pain. It has helped many people improve their symptoms and return to their activities, pain-free and without limitations.

 

Dry needling uses a thin, sterile needle to target specific points in muscles, joints, and ligaments. While the needles used for dry needling are the same as the acupuncture needles, these two healing techniques are not the same. Acupuncture is based from traditional Chinese medicine practices to help the flow of energy (qi) within meridians, while dry needling uses Westernized principles to help promote the body’s natural healing response in tissues.

 

Evidence-based research continues to show dry needling to be beneficial in many orthopedic, chronic, and neuromuscular conditions. Utilizing electrical stimulation alongside the needles has shown to promote even greater healing properties to help with pain relief, decreasing inflammation, stimulating blood flow, and improving sleep.

 

For the best results, we recommend dry needling to be used in combination with physical therapy. While dry needling may help with symptom relief, physical therapy allows us to address the root cause of the condition. It is important to follow-up with manual therapy, strengthening exercises, stretches and mobility movements, and patient education after dry needling.

Neck and shoulder injuries
Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Knee Osteoarthritis
Chronic ankle sprains
Achilles Tendonitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Back pain

Inside Look

What to Expect During a
Dry Needling Session

Many have experienced great results following the first session of dry needling, with improvements in range of motion and pain. However, we recommend at least four sessions for proper progression of dosing and to achieve long-term results with symptom relief.

Safety Precautions & Protocol (5 min)
Dry Needling (20-30 min)
Soft Tissue Massage (5 min)
Loading (5-10 min)
Patient Education (5-10 min)

WELLNESS & REHAB CLINIC

HEAR WHY OUR PATIENTS RECOMMEND Dry Needling WITH EAST WEST

FAQ

Have Questions about Dry Needling?

  • What conditions can be treated with dry needling?

    Dry needling can improve many conditions including:

    • Headaches
    • TMJ/Jaw pain
    • Neck pain
    • Shoulder pain
    • Tennis elbow
    • Golfer’s elbow
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome
    • Knee pain
    • Low back pain
    • Sciatica
    • Bursitis
    • Achilles tendinitis
    • Plantar fasciitis
    • And more!

  • Does dry needling hurt?

    Dry needling isn’t typically painful. The needles are very thin, and while you may experience a mild ache, twitch, or soreness in sensitive areas, the treatment is generally well-tolerated and adjusted to your comfort level.

  • What are the side effects of dry needling?

    After dry needling, many patients may feel sore in the region needled. Soreness is comparable to the soreness following a challenging workout, and may persist for 1-2 days. To decrease the side effects, I recommend staying active and using ice/heat packs as needed. Other side effects may include tiredness or drowsiness due to the healing effects of dry needling.

  • When should dry needling be used?

    For better results, dry needling is best used in combination with physical therapy. While dry needling may help with symptom relief, physical therapy allows us to address the root cause of the condition. Following up dry needling with manual therapy, strengthening/mobility exercises, and patient education allows for a quicker recovery period and longer-lasting results.

  • When will I start seeing results with dry needling?

    For most people, results can be seen following the first session with improved range of motion and decreased pain. However, four sessions are recommended in order to address the symptoms completely and to allow for proper progression of dosing.

  • How can I prepare before my dry needling session?

    To best prepare for your session, please complete the required online forms (link provided in your email). If you did not receive the forms or have any difficulty accessing them, feel free to contact us: [email protected]. We recommend having a light meal and staying well-hydrated prior to your appointment. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area—e.g., shorts for cupping the legs.

  • What should I expect during my session?

    At the start of your dry needling session, we’ll review safety, expectations, and post-treatment care to ensure a comfortable experience. For your first session, needles typically stay in for about 10 minutes, based on your physical therapist’s recommended dosage for the region. Future sessions may include increased dosage through longer durations, additional needle manipulation techniques, or electrical stimulation to enhance healing.

  • Do I need a doctor's referral?

    In Virginia, you do not need a doctor’s referral to receive dry needling from a licensed physical therapist.

  • Have additional questions?

    We’d love to answer any questions you may still have. You can schedule a complimentary consultation, email [email protected], or call/text us at 571-777-1515.

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    • WHERE WE SERVE

    Our Alexandria Location

    ALEXANDRIA, VA
    OFFICE VISIT
    571-777-1515