Are Dry Needling Side Effects Something to Worry About? A Safety Guide
If you've been researching potential treatments for your pain, you've likely heard of dry needling. While dry needling offers incredible relief for many patients, you may be wondering if this treatment is safe for you. Is dry needling painful? Are there side effects? Here's what you need to know.
Do know there are minor side effects of dry needling. The most common side effects are temporary muscle soreness and minor bruising at needle sites. These side effects sound worse than they are, and are often a small price to pay for long-term pain relief and increased mobility. Serious side effects are very rare, especially when performed by a trained provider.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an intramuscular therapy treatment. Rather than inserting needles into your skin at specific points (i.e. acupuncture), dry needling targets areas of muscle irritation known as "trigger points." A thin filament needle is inserted through the skin and directly into the trigger point. Your therapist may ask you if you feel a "twitch response," which is an involuntary muscle contraction that occurs when the needle hits a sensitive area.
Dry needling helps relax muscles, increase blood flow, and release endorphins that block pain signals.
Dry Needling Side Effects
Most side effects of dry needling are mild and resolve within a few days. Side effects can include:
Muscle Soreness
Dry needling can cause some temporary soreness around needle sites as your muscles heal from minor tissue disruption. Think of this feeling as similar to the soreness you feel after a hard workout. Needling releases your tight muscles and allows them to return to their normal state. This repaired state doesn't feel normal at first which can cause temporary soreness for 24-48 hours after treatment.
Bruising / Bleeding
Needles can sometimes cause minor bruising or bleeding where insertion occurred. This side effect isn't very common, but it's possible. Muscles are filled with tiny blood vessels, so even tiny needles can cause small capillaries to rupture. After needling therapy, you may notice small, circular bruises that are about the size of a penny.
It's normal for a few drops of blood to appear when the needle is removed. You can apply gentle pressure to the area with a cotton ball if it continues to bleed. These side effects fade in a few days.
Fatigue or Sleepiness
Some patients report dry needling makes them feel tired. The first couple of times you get dry needled, your body will undergo a rush of endorphins that can make you feel tired afterwards. Many patients actually sleep better the night after receiving dry needling therapy!
When You Should Avoid Dry Needling Therapy
You may want to hold off on dry needling if you're pregnant (especially during your first trimester), have severe needle phobia, or have an active infection. If you're on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, talk to your doctor about your concerns prior to treatment. Your therapist can always modify treatments to prevent injuries and minimize side effects.
If you live in the Loveland area, come into Northern Colorado Spine & Sport and we can go over your medical history to come up with a safe, personalized treatment plan.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Dry needling has been shown to be just as safe as massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments when performed by trained professionals. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and most side effects can be avoided with proper needle placement and disposal.
The best way to prevent serious dry needling side effects is to seek treatment with a trained professional. Just like with any medical procedure, working with an unqualified therapist dramatically increases your risk for injuries. A trained therapist knows proper needle placement techniques and can help treat side effects should they occur.
Your therapist should use sterile, single-use needles for each patient. They should follow standard sanitation rules to avoid passing any infections.
Dry Needling at Northern Colorado Spine & Sport
Here at Northern Colorado Spine & Sport, we take patient safety very seriously. Our team goes through extensive training before providing any type of service to you. We use only high-quality products to minimize your risk for side effects. We'll also talk to you about your medical history to ensure dry needling is safe for you.
To learn more about dry needling and decide if it's right for you, schedule a free consultation with our team today.
FAQs related to Dry Needling Side Effects
Does dry needling hurt more than my current pain?
No, most patients report that dry needling feels like a different sensation than their current pain. Inserting the needle will feel like a quick prick. If your therapist triggers a "twitch response," you may feel like you're getting a muscle cramp. However, this only lasts a few seconds.
Can I exercise after dry needling?
Exercise is okay after treatment. We encourage you to move your body and stretch after your appointment. However, you should avoid intense workouts for 24-48 hours after your appointment. If you exercise too soon, you may feel more soreness than normal and decrease the benefits of dry needling.
Is dry needling covered by insurance?
Dry needling coverage depends on your insurance provider. Many insurance companies will only cover the treatment if it's performed by a licensed physical therapist. Ask your insurance provider what documentation they'll need from your physical therapist. Here at Northern Colorado Spine & Sport, we accept most insurance plans.
How long until I start feeling better?
Every patient responds to dry needling differently. Some people feel immediate improvements within 24 hours of their first treatment. Chronic pain conditions may require multiple dry needling sessions before you notice a major difference. Your therapist will track your progress to determine how many sessions you'll need.
What should I eat before my appointment?
Drink plenty of water before your appointment. Staying well-hydrated is important because dehydration can make your muscles feel tight and more sensitive to pain, which could make the treatment less comfortable. It's also a good idea to eat a light meal or snack one to two hours before your session to ensure your blood sugar is stable. Lastly, you should avoid consuming alcohol for at least 12 hours before your appointment.
