Find Lasting Relief with Dry Needling in Ponte Vedra, FL & Across the First Coast

October 27, 2025

Your Muscles Deserve Better — Let’s Get to the Root of Pain

If you’re dealing with muscle tightness, nagging aches, or movement restrictions, you don’t have to just live with it. At Movement Driven Performance Physiotherapy, our expert team uses dry needling in Ponte Vedra, FL and throughout the First Coast to help eliminate pain at its source and restore healthy movement.


This proven treatment helps release tension, improve circulation, and jumpstart recovery — so you can get back to the activities and lifestyle you love.

What Is Dry Needling and How Does It Work?

Dry needling is a safe, evidence-based technique performed by licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy. Using thin, sterile needles, we target trigger points—tight or irritated muscle fibers that cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

When these points are released, your body responds by:



  • Reducing muscle tension and spasms
  • Restoring normal movement and flexibility
  • Improving blood flow and oxygenation
  • Decreasing local and referred pain
  • Accelerating recovery and performance


Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neuroscience. It’s one of the most effective ways to relieve muscular pain and improve mobility for both active individuals and everyday movers.

Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?

People across Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and the entire First Coast trust Movement Driven for expert dry needling because it’s fast, effective, and backed by science.

This therapy can help with:


  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Hip, knee, and leg tightness
  • Muscle spasms and trigger points
  • Headaches and TMJ pain
  • Sciatica or nerve-related discomfort
  • Sports injuries and overuse conditions
  • Post-surgical stiffness and scar tissue



Whether you’re a golfer in Ponte Vedra, a weekend athlete, or someone simply looking to move and feel better, dry needling can be the difference-maker in your recovery.


Why Choose Movement Driven for Dry Needling on the First Coast?

At Movement Driven, we take a modern, one-on-one approach to physical therapy. Every dry needling session is performed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy who designs your treatment plan around your goals and lifestyle.

Here’s what sets us apart:


  • One-on-One Appointments – You’ll never be rushed or handed off to an aide.
  • Comprehensive Evaluation – We identify the root cause of your pain, not just where it hurts.
  • Evidence-Based Care – Advanced dry needling integrated with manual therapy and movement correction.
  • Performance-Driven Philosophy – Perfect for athletes, active adults, and fitness enthusiasts.
  • Trusted Locally – Serving Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, Jacksonville, and all of Northeast Florida.


The First Step Toward Feeling Better Starts Here

At Movement Driven Performance Physiotherapy, we combine science, skill, and personalized care to help you move better and live stronger. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, battling chronic pain, or simply want to feel your best, dry needling can help you get there faster.

Call 904-257-5765 to schedule your free consultation today.

Because pain relief shouldn’t just be temporary — it should help you move for life.


Our Locations:

  • Jacksonville Clinic - 3545 St. Johns Bluff Rd S, Ste 2 Jacksonville, FL 32224
  • St. Johns Clinic - 155 Bartram Market Dr, Ste 113 St. Johns, FL 32259
By Greg Goldberger December 9, 2025
The holiday season in St. Johns brings excitement, family traditions, and a long to do list that usually includes lifting decorations, standing for hours in the kitchen, long shopping days, and driving up and down 210. It is a joyful time, but it is also one of the most common seasons for back pain to flare up. Most of these aches come from mechanical stress on joints and tissues, not sudden injury, which is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s research on low back pain. The good news is that holiday related irritation is preventable with simple mobility routines and better movement strategies. Here is how to keep your back protected all season long. 1. Lifting Heavy Decor Boxes Without Strain Many St. Johns residents pull heavy bins of holiday decorations from attics, garages, or closets. Poor lifting mechanics significantly increase the risk of low back pain, which is highlighted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in their safe lifting guidelines. How to lift smarter: Keep the box close to your center of gravity. Bend at your hips and knees instead of rounding your back. Exhale and brace your core as you lift. Make multiple small trips instead of one heavy one. Mobility tip: Warm up first. Dynamic movements increase tissue elasticity and reduce mechanical irritation. 2. Prolonged Standing in the Kitchen Holiday cooking means long hours of chopping, stirring, and leaning over counters. Staying in one position too long increases stiffness and muscle fatigue. NINDS reports that sustained postures are a major contributor to mechanical low back pain. How to reduce standing fatigue: Alternate your stance by propping one foot on a small stool. Change your position every 10 to 15 minutes. Use cushioned shoes or an anti fatigue mat. Mobility tip: Add tiny movement breaks. Light lumbar rotations or marching in place prevent the stiffness that builds from continuous standing. 3. Shopping Days and Heavy Bags Holiday shopping at the St. Johns Town Center or local boutiques often leads to uneven loading from carrying bags on one side. As Spine Health notes, imbalanced loads contribute to muscle strain and low back irritation. How to shop smarter: Distribute weight evenly between both hands. Avoid carrying heavy bags on a single shoulder. Make trips to the car to unload heavier items. Mobility tip: Stretch your hip flexors afterward. Long periods of standing and walking tighten this area, which directly affects the lumbar spine. 4. Long Drives Up and Down 210 Holiday errands, family gatherings, and parties mean more time in the car. Sitting increases pressure on the lumbar discs and hip flexors. Research from NINDS notes that prolonged sitting is one of the most common triggers for mechanical low back pain. How to reduce back irritation in the car: Adjust your seat so your hips sit slightly higher than your knees. Use a small lumbar roll for support. Take breaks during longer trips to stand and walk. Mobility tip: When parked, pull one knee gently toward your chest to relieve hip and low back tension. 5. Why Simple Daily Mobility Helps Mobility does not need to be time consuming. It simply keeps your joints moving and prevents the stiffness that builds from repeated tasks. Spine Health emphasizes that consistent mobility improves circulation, reduces joint irritation, and enhances load tolerance. Three movements to keep your back happy: Hip hinges Thoracic rotations Bird dogs or dead bugs These movements support the spine during lifting, standing, cooking, carrying, and driving. When to See a Physical Therapist If holiday prep has already triggered pain that is sharp or persistent, a professional evaluation can help you identify the root cause and create a personalized plan. Movement Driven provides one on one care that focuses on restoring mobility, improving strength, and keeping you active all season. Ready to Stay Pain Free This Holiday Season? Schedule a free discovery call to talk through your symptoms and learn which mobility strategies will help you move pain free through the holidays.
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