ACE PHYSIO & Performance
Dry Needling in Fort Worth & Cleburne
ACE Physio & Performance is Your Local Dry Needling Specialist
If you’ve been struggling with chronic muscle knots, tension headaches, or sports injuries that just won’t "stretch out," you’ve likely heard of
Dry Needling. This isn't just another wellness trend; it is a powerful, evidence-based clinical tool used by elite athletes and active adults to reset the nervous system and accelerate healing.
At
ACE Physio & Performance, we provide expert
Dry Needling in Fort Worth and Cleburne as a core component of our high-performance physical therapy. Unlike "discount" clinics that might poke at a symptom for five minutes, we integrate needling into a comprehensive, one-on-one recovery plan designed to get you back to the gym, the field, or the boardroom pain-free.
What is Dry Needling? (Hint: It’s Not Acupuncture)
While the needles used are the same—thin, sterile, filiform needles—the philosophy is entirely different. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and "meridians."
Dry Needling is based on Western neuroanatomy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy use the needle to target Myofascial Trigger Points—hyper-irritable spots in your muscle that cause local pain and "referred" pain (pain that travels elsewhere).
By inserting the needle directly into these points, we create a "local twitch response," which:
Resets the muscle: Forces the tight band of muscle to relax instantly.
Increases Blood Flow: Flushes out acidic chemicals that accumulate in a "stuck" muscle.
Reduces Inflammation: Triggers a natural healing response in the local tissue.
Why Choose ACE Physio for Dry Needling?
Many clinics in Texas offer needling, but few offer the ACE Physio Experience:
Doctor-Led Precision: You aren't being treated by a technician. Your needling is performed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced certification in dry needling.
No Referral Needed: You can bypass the doctor’s office and come straight to us for relief.
The "Plus" Factor:
We don't just needle you and send you home. We follow every needling session with specific movement coaching and loading to ensure the pain doesn't come back the moment you leave our Fort Worth or Cleburne office.
One-on-One Care:
Your 60-minute session is dedicated entirely to you. We have the time to find the source of the tension, not just the symptom.
What Conditions Does Dry Needling Treat?
We have successfully used Dry Needling to help our North Texas patients find relief from:
Chronic Back & Neck Pain
Releasing the deep spinal muscles that cause "locking" sensations.
Tension Headaches & Jaw Pain (TMJ)
Targeting the traps and neck muscles that refer pain to the temples.
Runner’s Injuries
Including IT Band Syndrome, calf cramps, and plantar fasciitis.
Shoulder Impingement
Releasing the rotator cuff muscles to improve overhead reach.
Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow
Reducing the tension in the forearm that makes gripping painful.
Hip Pain
Relieving the glute and "deep six" hip rotators that cause sciatica-like symptoms.
Patient Success Story: From "Injured" to the Finish Line
"Before going to see ACE Physio & Performance, PLLC, I was dealing with several running injuries. My most concerning injury was pain in my hip. The pain was starting to hinder my range of motion and sleep. I wanted to get professional help and met Adrian Cantu through the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
We met in-person for an initial screening and then I decided to commit to a physical therapy program. During this time, I was also training for a trail race. Last week, I ran that race and felt amazing. I didn't have any pain while I was running or after. I'm pleased with the results and expereince I've had with ACE Physio & Performance, PLLC.
I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a sports physical therapist."
– Dominique A., Fort Wort
What to Expect During Your Session
If you’re nervous about needles, don’t be. Most patients describe the sensation as a "deep ache" or a "small cramp" rather than a sharp sting.
We understand the local terrain and the specific challenges Texas runners face, from the summer heat to the concrete-heavy routes of our urban centers.
The Evaluation
Before we ever pick up a needle, we perform a movement screen. We need to know why that muscle is tight. Is it overworking because a different muscle is weak?
The Procedure
We use single-use, sterile needles. You’ll feel the "twitch response"—this is a good sign! It means we’ve successfully targeted the trigger point.
The Aftercare
After the "reset," we immediately move into active stretching or strengthening. We want your brain to learn how to use this new, relaxed range of motion.
FAQs
Is Dry Needling safe?
Yes. When performed by a licensed and certified Doctor of Physical Therapy, it is an extremely safe and effective procedure. We use sterile, medical-grade, single-use needles.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see you?
No. In the state of Texas, you can see a physical therapist directly. This allows us to start your treatment immediately, saving you time and the cost of extra co-pays for "clearance" visits.
Why are you a cash-based clinic?
In a traditional clinic, you might only get 15 minutes with a therapist who is juggling three other patients. At ACE Physio, you get 60 minutes of undivided attention. This allows us to perform the deep manual work and complex movement coaching required for the shoulder to heal properly.
What is the $75 Total Body Screen?
This is a low-barrier way for you to meet our doctors and get a clear roadmap. We perform a head-to-toe movement assessment to identify the root cause of your back pain and tell you exactly how we plan to fix it.
Stop Managing Pain. Start Resolving It.
Whether you are a lifter in Fort Worth or a weekend warrior in Cleburne, you don't have to live with "tight" muscles forever. Experience the difference that expert Dry Needling can make.
