physical THERAPY | DRY NEEDLING

Break Through Plateaus When Stretching And Strengthening Aren’t Enough—Without Guessing Or Forcing Progress

Even if you’re doing the right exercises, something still feels blocked, guarded, or resistant to change

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Meet Dr. Andrew Bagley — PT, DPT, ATC

Owner, Physical Therapist

Dr. Andrew Bagley is the founder and lead physical therapist at ALTR Performance & Physical Therapy. A Mount Pleasant native and former competitive swimmer, he was a 4× state champion at Wando High School and still holds records with the Coastal Carolina Aquatics Association. After rotator cuff surgeries on both shoulders as a teenager, physical therapy became personal.

Andrew trained at the highest level, earning his undergraduate degree at UNC Chapel Hill, working with NCAA Division I programs, and completing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Duke University. He returned to Charleston to raise the standard of care through ALTR.

He is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), with advanced training in vestibular rehab and concussion management.

Why Progress Sometimes Stalls

Some pain and movement problems are not about effort. They’re about sensitivity.

You’re stretching.
You’re strengthening.
You’re doing what you’re supposed to do.

But certain muscles stay tight. Movement still feels guarded. Progress stalls or slows down.

Often, that means specific muscles are remaining overactive or irritable. The tissue itself is capable, but it is not responding well to load yet.

When that happens, doing more of the same is not always the answer.


Sometimes you need to address the muscle directly.

Dry needling targets specific muscles that are contributing to pain, tightness, or limited movement

  • Decrease excessive muscle tone and trigger point sensitivity
  • Reduce protective guarding that limits movement
  • Improve a muscle's ability to contract and relax normally
  • Create a better environment for strengthening and mobility work

How Dry Needling Actually Helps

Dry needling targets overactive or sensitive muscles that are limiting movement. It improves how the muscle functions.


Not by "resetting" your body, but by changing how that specific muscle responds.

How it works:

  • A thin, sterile needle stimulates a muscle directly
  • This reduces local sensitivity, improves circulation, and helps the muscle contract and relax more normally
  • Movement feels smoother and exercise feels more like it should

You are not replacing strengthening or rehab, but improving your body's response to it.

What Dry Needling Is (And Is Not)

Dry needling is not acupuncture.

It is not a shortcut.

It is not a standalone solution to your pain.


It works best when paired with proper rehab, strength training, mobility work, and progressive loading.


The goal is not temporary relief, but building lasting tolerance to movement.


At ALTR Performance, dry needling is used strategically.

As part of a plan designed to help you recover, rebuild, and return stronger.



Ready To See If Dry Needling Is The Missing Piece?

Get clarity on whether dry needling can help you break through what’s been holding your progress back.

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