Since dry needling involves a needle penetrating the skin, iatrogenic injury to vessels, nerves, spinal cord, internal organs, implanted devices, or infection are possible hazards for patients.
Risks of Dry Needling
Bleeding where the needles were inserted. Fainting. Fatigue. Skin bruising.
Dry needling is not for those with unmanaged blood-clotting or immune-system disorders. Plus, the American Physical Therapy Association does not recommend dry needling for children younger than 12. Always check with your medical provider or physical therapist if you have concerns.
Symptoms after a needling mishap include nerve irritation, nerve damage, numbness, or weakness in the surrounding areas. These symptoms may persist after the dry needling session.
Dry Needling can also release toxins that may be built up in the tissue and causing a blockage, which can then allow for oxygen circulation to occur that had previously been limited. It is the increase in blood flow and oxygen combined that contribute towards healing the injured tissue and muscle.
Dry needling is illegal in some states due to concerns about safety, training, and scope of practice. Regulatory bodies in these states argue that without standardized training, there is a higher risk of complications, such as nerve damage or infections.
It is common to feel tired, nauseous, emotional, giggly or “loopy”, and/or somewhat “out of it” after treatment. This is a normal response that can last up to an hour or two after treatment. If this lasts beyond a day contact your provider as a precaution.
If the needle pierces the blood vessel, there can be a droplet or two of blood that comes after the needle is removed. Generally, the blood clots quickly due to the small gauge of the needle and your blood's ability to clot.
Dry needling has the potential to temporarily increase pain in some patients, primarily due to the body's natural healing response, technique sensitivity, and individual pain thresholds. However, with proper technique, patient education, and post-treatment care, these adverse effects can be managed and minimized.
When a needle grazes or “hits” a nerve during dry needling, you might feel a quick, sharp sensation. It's often described as a zapping or shooting feeling that travels along the nerve pathway. This happens because nerves are essentially your body's electrical wiring—they're designed to send signals to your brain.
While some states allow Physical Therapists to perform Dry Needling, the medical board in California concluded that Dry Needling is, in fact, a type of acupuncture. Therefore, Dry Needling can only be performed by Licensed Acupuncturists and MDs in California.
Based on the statistical significance and clinical effectiveness, the results of this randomized, parallel group, sham-controlled, double-blind, single center clinical trial suggest that trigger point dry needling in patients with CTTH is effective and safe in reducing headache frequency, intensity and duration, and ...
There are several alternative treatments that may be more effective than dry needling, depending on your condition and preferences. Some of these alternatives include acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic care.
Although researchers, practitioners, and instructors of needling therapies teach caution with needling in the upper lumbar spine, no study has reported adverse events occurring to the kidneys from needling.
Dry needling is a safe technique for treating many musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder pain, rotator cuff pain, biceps tendinitis, iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, low back pain, tennis elbow, whiplash or neck pain, headaches, muscle strains, hip pain and temporomandibular pain, also called TMJ ...
The most minor risk is that we hit an artery or vein resulting in bleeding that stops in just a few seconds. We may also hit a nerve which results in the feeling of numbness and tingling shooting from the spot we are needling, but will resolve when the needle is moved from the area and no longer contacting the nerve.
The good news is that some insurance plans do cover dry needling, but there are limitations to this coverage. The types of insurance that may cover dry needling include health insurance. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific plan and the reason for seeking treatment.
It is advisable to avoid intense physical activities or strenuous exercise 24 to 48 hours after a dry needling session.
Consult Doctor for Possible Contraindications
Dry needling is not recommended for patients with certain symptoms or conditions. Patients with bleeding disorders, infections, open wounds, compromised immune systems, or taking certain medications should seek other treatments.
Since dry needling involves a needle penetrating the skin, iatrogenic injury to vessels, nerves, spinal cord, internal organs, implanted devices, or infection are possible hazards for patients.
Vasovagal reaction: This occurs rarely and is the most common form of fainting, usually recurrent to a specific trigger (which can be dry needling). In most cases, this resolves with a few minutes of rest and some sugar intake.
Dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors. For example, individuals with bleeding disorders, compromised immune systems, or a fear of needles may not be suitable candidates for dry needling.
Keep yourself hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is another way to reduce muscle soreness after dry needling, just like how keeping yourself hydrated after an intense workout session is essential.
The average cost of dry needling is about $60 per session, and most physical therapists will recommend 3 to 6 sessions. However, this will usually be part of a treatment plan and used in conjunction with other services, so it may not be itemized in this way.