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.
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.
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!"
How Dry Needling at Conquer Movement Works
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.
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
What Wilmington Athletes Say About Their Knee Pain Results
Meet Our Team
Steven has spent the past 10 years treating in a sports medicine model, helping those suffering from sports and work related injuries. He is passionate about using his advanced background to help his clients reduce their risk of injury and perform at an optimal level. His goal is to help people relieve their pain, optimize performance, and ultimately become the best version of themselves. Dr. Solecki never wants a client to have to say “No, I can’t…” when it comes to performing an activity they love.
When Steven isn’t working you can find him training jiu-jitsu, working out, hanging at the beach, and exploring all Wilmington has to offer with his dog, Charli.
Dr. Cohen graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and Sports Strength & Conditioning concentration in 2017. A former elite tennis player and certified personal trainer, she brings both athletic experience and clinical expertise to her practice.
Dr. Cohen's holistic approach examines movement patterns, functional strength, and lifestyle factors to identify the root cause of pain. She combines manual therapy techniques—including dry needling and soft tissue release—with targeted exercise programs to restore optimal movement and performance.
Since moving to Wilmington in 2021, Dr. Cohen has specialized in treating active individuals, including three years working inside a CrossFit gym. She's passionate about keeping athletes in their sport and helping them return stronger than before. When not in the clinic, you'll find her lifting weights, paddleboarding, or exploring Wilmington with her husband and dog, Piper.
Dr. Evan Langley is a passionate Physical Therapist dedicated to helping active adults return to the field and gym. With a deep-rooted passion for sports and movement, he combines his in-depth knowledge of strength and conditioning with his Physical Therapy expertise to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care.
A graduate of Wingate University, Evan holds both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. His collegiate lacrosse career and subsequent certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) provide him with a unique perspective on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization.
Evan recently relocated to Wilmington, NC in March 2024 and is excited to serve the local community. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys an active lifestyle that includes weightlifting, gaming, and outdoor adventures.
Dr. Matt Davis is a performance-focused physical therapist who helps athletes and active adults move better, train harder, and get back to doing the things they love without limitations. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Methodist University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from UNC Pembroke.
A former First Team All-American football player with experience at the NFL level, Matt brings an athlete’s mindset and competitive drive into the clinic. He specializes in neuromotor system training, performance rehabilitation, and identifying the true root cause of pain — not just treating symptoms. Matt is also certified in Functional Dry Needling, allowing him to blend advanced hands-on treatment with movement-based progressions to accelerate recovery and performance.
Originally from Richlands, NC, Matt is as comfortable in the gym as he is on the sidelines of football or baseball. When he’s not helping clients conquer their movement goals, you’ll find him under a barbell, watching the game, or enjoying time with family and friends.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Nick established himself as a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach specializing in corrective exercise. At Conquer Movement, he serves as our Client Care Coordinator, overseeing daily operations and ensuring every patient receives exceptional care throughout their treatment journey.
Nick's focus on efficient scheduling, excellent customer service, and facility management creates a positive, supportive environment for all our clients. When not at work, he enjoys outdoor activities, volunteers at Cape Fear Equine Rescue, and pursues hobbies including hunting, leatherworking, and bushcraft.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.