Expert Dry Needling in Southern Pines, NC
Rated 5.0 stars across 104 reviews, Sports Performance Chiropractic & Physical Therapy helps athletes and active adults in Southern Pines move better, recover faster, and perform stronger — with 60-minute, one-on-one sessions that treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Still in Pain After Weeks of ‘Quick Fix’ Care?
Too many providers treat symptoms instead of solving the actual problem — leaving athletes and active adults stuck in a cycle of pain, setbacks, and frustration.
Rushed Adjustments That Don’t Last
In-and-out visits that crack your back but never ask why it hurts — so the pain keeps coming back week after week with no real progress toward recovery.
Sidelined From the Sport You Love
Whether it’s a nagging shoulder, a blown-out knee, or chronic low back pain, being unable to train, compete, or move freely takes a toll on your body and your confidence.
No Plan, No Progress, No End in Sight
You’ve tried injections, imaging, and generic PT — but nobody has connected the dots. Without a performance-focused recovery plan, you’re managing symptoms, not building back stronger.
Southern Pines’ Performance-First Approach to Recovery
At Sports Performance Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, we combine dry needling, chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and corrective exercise into one individualized plan — designed not just to get you out of pain, but to return you to your sport stronger and more resilient than before.
• 60-minute, one-on-one sessions — no double-booking, no rushing, no shortcuts
• Root-cause assessments using movement screens and VALD testing to find what’s really driving your pain
• Integrated care combining dry needling, cupping, IASTM, chiropractic, and strength-based rehab in a single visit
“In 2 visits he made my lower back feel better than it had in 8 months. I had 2 steroid injections, an MRI, extensive physical therapy, and nothing could get to the root of my pain. I cannot explain how much my quality of life has increased!”
Your Path Back to Peak Performance Starts Here
Step 1: Root-Cause Assessment
Your first visit is a full hour. We use movement screens, VALD testing, and hands-on evaluation to identify exactly what’s driving your pain or limiting your performance — not just where it hurts.
Step 2: Your Personalized Treatment Plan
We build a plan tailored to your body, your sport, and your goals — combining dry needling, chiropractic care, manual therapy, and corrective exercise in the right sequence for your recovery.
Step 3: Return Stronger Than Before
We don’t just get you back to baseline. Our performance-based progressions and return-to-sport protocols ensure you leave stronger, more resilient, and equipped to stay that way.
Dry Needling & Chiropractic Care for What Hurts
From stubborn low back pain and rotator cuff injuries to runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, and chronic headaches — our dry needling in Southern Pines, NC reaches the muscle dysfunction that other treatments miss. If you’ve been searching for dry needling near me, we’re right here in your community and ready to help.
• Spine & upper body: low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, and TMJ pain
• Lower extremity: hip pain, runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, ACL rehabilitation, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains
• Head & performance: migraines, vertigo/BPPV, concussion symptoms, plus overuse and tendinopathy conditions in athletes of all levels
5.0 Stars Across 104 Google Reviews
Real results from athletes and active adults in Southern Pines.
“He spends a full hour with you, listens carefully, and works to address the root cause — you’re not just in and out for a quick adjustment. Cupping, dry needling, physical therapy, adjustment… He can do it all! My issue has already significantly improved.”
Bethany W.
“As someone who trains and competes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, finding a provider who truly understands athletic bodies, recovery, and injury prevention matters a lot. Dr. Kennedy takes the time to actually listen, assess movement patterns, and explain what’s going on.”
Rebecka R.
“Jim has made it possible for me to get back to normal life after 2 different injuries — and both times I returned stronger than before injury. His individualized approach promotes healing and gives you the tools to prevent future injury.”
Erin M.
Meet Your Southern Pines Sports Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Team
Board-certified doctors with advanced sports and performance credentials.
Dr. James Kennedy, DC, CSCS
Doctor of Chiropractic & Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Dr. Kennedy earned his DC from New York Chiropractic College and holds advanced certifications in dry needling, functional movement taping, and whole food nutrition. A CrossFit Level 1 and USA Weightlifting Level 1 coach, he works with athletes from youth sports to competitive CrossFit — helping them recover from injury and return to their sport stronger than before.
Dr. McKenley Byrd, PT, DPT, C-PS
Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Dr. Byrd earned his DPT from Nova Southeastern University and holds credentials in Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT), Champion Performance Specialist (C-PS), Exos Performance Specialist (XPS), and IASTM. He specializes in post-operative rehab, overhead athletes (baseball, lacrosse, golf, softball), military and tactical personnel, and Olympic weightlifters — with a philosophy centered on long-term performance, not just symptom relief.
Visit Us in Southern Pines, NC
We’re easy to find and just minutes away. Located at 103 Perry Dr, Southern Pines, NC 28387 — near Center Park Shopping Center and Pinecrest Plaza off US-15-501. Call us at (910) 690-9188 or email sportschiro5@gmail.com. Open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM.
Just 1 minute (0.4 miles) from downtown Southern Pines via N Bennett St. From the center of Southern Pines, head toward S Bennett St, turn right onto N Bennett St, then turn right to arrive at our clinic at 103 Perry Dr. You’ll find us conveniently close to Center Park Shopping Center on N Sandhills Blvd and near Pinecrest Plaza on US-15-501 Hwy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first visit to our Southern Pines clinic.
What is dry needling, and how is it different from acupuncture?
Dry needling is a technique used by licensed clinicians to target trigger points, muscle tightness, and pain using thin monofilament needles — often combined with electrical stimulation (e-stim). Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neuromuscular science, targeting specific dysfunctional muscle tissue to reduce pain and restore movement.
How long are sessions at Sports Performance Chiropractic?
Every session is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with your provider — Dr. Kennedy or Dr. Byrd. We do not double-book patients or rush appointments. Your hour is dedicated entirely to your assessment, treatment, and education.
Who do you treat?
We work with a wide range of active adults and athletes, including CrossFit athletes, runners, golfers, weightlifters, overhead sport athletes (baseball, lacrosse, softball), youth athletes, military and tactical personnel, and anyone experiencing musculoskeletal pain or performance limitations.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No referral is required. You can contact us directly at (910) 690-9188 or email sportschiro5@gmail.com to schedule your first appointment.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit includes a thorough root-cause assessment using movement screens and, where appropriate, VALD performance testing. Your provider will evaluate how you move, listen to your history, explain their findings clearly, and build a personalized treatment plan before hands-on care begins.
Do you treat injuries after surgery?
Yes. Dr. Byrd specializes in post-operative rehabilitation following orthopedic and sports-related surgeries. We work with patients to restore movement quality, rebuild strength, and achieve a safe, progressive return to sport or work.