Dry needling side effects may include soreness, bleeding, bruising, and fatigue.
This elicits a muscle twitch response in the muscle, which helps relieve the symptoms.
These bands can become knots if left unresolved.
Sunlight19/iStock/Getty Images
Trigger points cause spontaneous local or referred pain, muscle weakness, stiffness, and restricted range of motion.
Dry needling was developed in the 1980s and was modeled after theTraditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) technique ofacupuncture.
There are several variations of dry needling, all of which have the same purpose.
“dry”).
For example, a trigger point in your neck may cause pain in your shoulder.
There are several theories about how dry needling works to relieve trigger points.
There is also a risk of infection if non-sterile needles are used.
This may include apneumothorax(punctured lung) if needles are inserted in the chest.
Who Should Not Get Dry Needling?
If you have an infection, you should not have dry needling until after the infection completely resolves.
Timing
Dry needling typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If that is not possible, you may need to partially undress or change into a patient gown.
Some therapists provide dry needling on a cash-pay basis only.
Also, bring your health insurance card if your plan offers any coverage.
You are encouraged to ask questions at any time to better understand the process.
The technique your provider uses can vary.
These sensations are regarded as a good sign that your muscles are responding to treatment.
However, the treatment should not be painful.
Tell your provider if you experience any discomfort or feel faint.
If you are laying down during the procedure, you will likely be instructed to get up slowly.
Bruising may last up to a week.
Let your healthcare provider know if you experience any side effects.
If you experience severe side effects, such asshortness of breathor major bleeding, contact emergency services immediately.
While rare, this could be a sign of an infection or organ damage due to a puncture.
Dry needling can be done once or twice a week, depending on your condition.
Your healthcare provider will let you know when it’s crucial that you make a follow-up appointment.
Discontinuation of this treatment will not cause adverse effects.
2021;101(3):pzab070.
Dommerholt J, Gerwin RD.Contracture knots vs. trigger points.
Comment on Ball et al.
2022;12(10):2365. doi:10.3390/diagnostics12102365
Jafri MS.Mechanisms of myofascial pain.Int Sch Res Notices.
2014;19(4):252-265. doi:10.1179/108331913X13844245102034
American Physical Therapy Association.Description of dry needling in clinical practice.
