Dry Needling Wilmington, NC

Fast, effective pain relief for athletes who refuse to sit on the sidelines. Get back to lifting, training, and moving the way you're meant to—without being told to "just rest."Whether you're dealing with chronic muscle tightness, nagging trigger points, or stubborn pain that won't quit, dry needling at Conquer Movement PT targets the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Our advanced manual therapy approach helps everyday athletes, CrossFitters, powerlifters, and active adults in Wilmington break through pain and performance plateaus.

Physical therapist performing dry needling on athlete's shoulder at Conquer Movement PT in Wilmington, NC

Tired of Pain That Keeps Coming Back?

You've tried rest. You've tried stretching. Maybe you've even tried other treatments—but the tightness, the ache, the limited range of motion... it's still there. And it's keeping you from doing what you love.

Chronic Muscle Tightness

Your muscles feel locked up no matter how much you foam roll or stretch. Trigger points won't release, and it's affecting your performance.

Nagging Pain That Won't Heal

Whether it's your shoulder, lower back, or hip—pain keeps flaring up during training, limiting your lifts and stealing your confidence.

Told to "Just Stop" Training

You've been advised to rest or avoid your sport entirely. But that's not an option—you're an athlete, and stopping isn't the solution.

Conquer Movement Physical Therapy treatment room in Wilmington NC with modern equipment and spacious layout
Why Conquer Movement Physical Therapy

Why Conquer Movement PT Is Different

At Conquer Movement, we don't just treat your pain—we treat you as an athlete. Our dry needling protocols are backed by advanced manual therapy certifications (FAAOMPT), strength and conditioning expertise (CSCS), and years of experience working with barbell athletes, combat sports fighters, and everyday athletes in Wilmington, NC.

We'll never tell you to stop doing what you love. Instead, we'll help you modify, adapt, and get back to full training capacity—stronger than before.

Advanced dry needling combined with manual therapy and movement correction

Exclusively one-on-one care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy—every session

Performance-focused approach designed for athletes who train hard

"I have been going to Conquer Movement for shoulder and hip pain for a couple of months. The professionalism and results I have experienced have far exceeded my expectations.

The communication, exercises, and results have been more effective than any treatments from my previous providers.

As a 58 year old female powerlifter, I have been able to continue with training and competing due to the results I have experienced from my sessions at Conquer Movement! I highly recommend this provider for any sports physical therapy needs!

An added bonus is meeting the therapy 'assistant', Charlie, a sweet female Labrador!"

Lisa MC
How We Work

How Dry Needling at Conquer Movement Works

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Free Phone Consultation

We'll discuss your pain, your training goals, and whether dry needling is the right fit for you—no pressure, no commitment.

60-Minute Initial Evaluation

Your Doctor of Physical Therapy will assess your movement, identify trigger points, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your sport and goals.

Get Back to Training Stronger

Through targeted dry needling, manual therapy, and corrective exercises, we'll help you eliminate pain, improve mobility, and return to full performance—without the setbacks.

Conditions Treated

What Dry Needling Can Treat

Dry needling is highly effective for releasing tight muscles, reducing inflammation, and breaking up scar tissue that limits your mobility.

Whether you're recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic tightness, we use dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment approach—not as a standalone fix.

Lower back pain from deadlifts and squats

Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff pain

Chronic hamstring, glute, and hip tightness

Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and wrist pain

Knee pain, IT band syndrome, and quad tightness

Neck pain, upper trap tension, and headaches

Athlete performing functional movement training with physical therapist at Wilmington sports PT clinic

What Wilmington Athletes Say About Their Knee Pain Results

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"Dr. Evan was wonderful! From doing gymnastics and cheerleading (amongst other sports) growing up, Ive developed recurring back issues at an early age. I had a bad flare up and Dr. Evan was able to take me from not being able to sit/stand without assistance to full range of motion with minimal discomfort in one session!! I was truly impressed and had no idea just how effective physical therapy could be. Dr. Evan will 100% be my go to guy when (or knee) pain flairs up again!"
Hannah Parker
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"I worked with Dr. Evan at Conquer Movement for my wrist which I broke and dislocated years prior before seeing him. I recently had trouble with soreness and weakness returning in the same wrist through playing lacrosse and other recreational sports. Dr. Evan was as professional and nice as they come. He helped with physical therapy stretching/exercises for home and at the gym for me to work on. They helped tremendously and my wrist strength and flexibility is much better now. You can tell Dr. Evan is passionate about his work and helping benefit the quality of life of his patients."
Mitchell L.
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"Amazing experience!!! I had been dealing with lower back pain for over a year that kept me from being able to fully participate in sports and activities. I had tried going to a traditional chiropractor and a few other physical therapy places, none of which were able to explain why I was in pain or how to fix it. After my first visit with Dr. Eliza, I had the most pain relief since before my injury. She did an amazing job explaining why I got injured and planning my rehab to help me get back to my normal active lifestyle! I finished my rehab program a few months ago and am still feeling great!"
Abigail Hoh

Meet Our Team

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Dr. Steven Solecki Jr. PT, DPT
Owner/Founder, Doctor Of Physical Therapy

Owner/Founder with 10 years in sports medicine. Specializes in injury prevention, performance optimization, and helping athletes return stronger from ACL injuries. Passionate about reducing re-injury risk and optimizing athletic performance.

Dr. Eliza Cohen, PT, DPT
Lead Doctor Of Physical Therapy

Graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University with Sports Strength & Conditioning concentration. Former elite tennis player and certified personal trainer who combines manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercise programs for ACL recovery.

Dr. Evan Langley, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Combines Physical Therapy expertise with Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist credentials. Graduate of Wingate University who provides comprehensive ACL rehab using sport-specific strength training and performance optimization strategies.

Dr. Matt Davis, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Former First Team All-American football player with NFL experience. Specializes in performance-focused rehabilitation, functional dry needling, and neuromotor system training to help athletes return to cutting and pivoting sports.

Visit Us

Ready to Move Without Pain?

Call us today to schedule your free phone consultation and find out if dry needling is right for you.Don't let an injury keep you from the sport you love. Our team of sports physical therapy specialists in Wilmington is ready to help you return to competition stronger and more prepared than ever.

We're located just off Wrightsville Avenue near Midtown Wilmington, about 10 minutes from Wrightsville Beach and 5 minutes from the UNCW campus. Easy access from I-40 and Military Cutoff Road.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is dry needling and how does it work?

Dry needling is a technique where a thin, sterile needle is inserted into tight muscle bands (trigger points) to release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. It's called "dry" because no medication is injected—the needle itself stimulates a healing response. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in modern anatomy and neuroscience. At Conquer Movement, we combine dry needling with manual therapy and corrective exercises for faster, longer-lasting results.

Does dry needling hurt?

Most patients describe a brief pinch when the needle is inserted, followed by a dull ache or muscle twitch as the trigger point releases. This is a good sign—it means the needle is in the right spot. After treatment, you may feel sore for 24–48 hours (similar to post-workout soreness), but this typically subsides quickly. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy are highly trained and will adjust the treatment based on your comfort level.

How is dry needling different from acupuncture?

Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, but the techniques and goals are different. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow. Dry needling is based on Western medicine and targets specific muscle trigger points to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function. At Conquer Movement, our Doctors of Physical Therapy use dry needling as part of a performance-based treatment plan—not as a standalone therapy.

How many dry needling sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition, training history, and goals. Some athletes notice improvement after just one session, while others benefit from 3–6 treatments over several weeks. During your initial evaluation, your Doctor of Physical Therapy will create a personalized plan based on your specific needs. Our goal is to get you back to full training capacity as quickly as possible—without unnecessary sessions.

Can I continue training while receiving dry needling treatment?

Yes! One of the core principles at Conquer Movement is that we'll never tell you to stop doing what you love—unless it's an absolute last resort. We'll work with you to modify your training as needed, address the root cause of your pain, and help you return to full intensity safely. Many of our athletes continue lifting, running, and competing throughout their treatment.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out and let's talk about how we can get you back to your sport.