Why is dry needling illegal?

Author: Ms. Nayeli Armstrong IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

As we know, dry needling targets the trigger points that are running closer to the nerves; there are chances that the needle may trigger the nerves accidentally. Such accidents may cause immediate pain and discomfort, nerve irritation or damage, inflammation and swelling, and potential complications.

Why is dry needling bad for you?

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.

Is dry needling a sham?

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 ...

Why can't you do dry needling in California?

In California, this code explicitly excludes dry needling from the physical therapy scope of practice, primarily due to concerns about adequate training and safety. This restriction is supported by the California Board of Acupuncture and other professional bodies advocating for stringent standards​ (Kaman Law)​.

Who shouldn't get dry needling?

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.

What Happens To Your Body After Dry Needling

What states don't allow dry needling?

Dry needling has been banned in these States
  • California.
  • Hawaii.
  • New York.
  • Oregon.
  • Washington.

When dry needling goes wrong?

So very rare 2 in 100,000 treatments. Nerve Damage: Nerve damage is a potential risk associated with dry needling. If a needle is inserted too deeply or into the wrong area, it can damage a nerve and cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area.

Why is dry needling banned?

Dry needling is illegal in many states because it falls outside the scope of practice for physical therapists. While physical therapists argue dry needling is within their competency, acupuncturists and state legislators contend it requires separate licensing and oversight to ensure public safety.

How much does dry needling cost per session?

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.

What is better than dry needling?

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.

Who is not a candidate for dry needling?

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.

What happens when dry needling hits a nerve?

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.

Do doctors recommend dry 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 ...

Why did dry needling hurt so much?

We believe the primary reason that some patients report dry needling hurts more than acupuncture is that dry needling is typically performed in response to a particular injury. As such, the dry needling is very localized to an injured joint or source of pain, and typically those areas are more sensitive by default.

Does insurance cover dry needling?

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.

Why do I feel sick after dry needling?

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.

What are the negatives of dry needling?

Cons of dry needling
  • Muscle soreness.
  • Bruising.
  • Swelling.
  • Bleeding.

Does Medicare pay for dry needling?

Medicare Part B covers up to 12 dry needling treatments in 90 days for cLBP. If the patient shows improvement, an additional 8 sessions may be covered, with a maximum of 20 treatments in a 12-month period [3].

How much does a dry needling therapist get paid?

$75,000 - $85,000. Our patient care approach focuses on manual therapy techniques, including dry needling, to help individuals reach their highest potential.

What not to do after dry needling?

What Not to Do After Dry Needling
  1. Skip the Gym (Seriously) ...
  2. Don't Forget to Hydrate. ...
  3. Avoid Overthinking Post-Needling Soreness. ...
  4. Say No to Alcohol. ...
  5. Don't Sit for Too Long. ...
  6. Skip Over-the-Counter Painkillers. ...
  7. Most Importantly: Don't Ignore Your Therapist's Advice.

Does dry needling release toxins in your body?

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.

What are absolute contraindications for dry needling?

DN should not be administered in the following patient scenarios: 1) a patient with needle phobia; 2) an unwilling patient; 3) a patient who is unable or unwilling to give consent; 4) a patient with a history of abnormal reaction to needling or injection; 5) in a medical emergency; 6) a patient who is on anticoagulant ...

Who shouldn't do dry needling?

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.

What is an alternative to dry needling?

Joint mobilization — When it comes to tight fascia that's impacting the range of motion of your joints, such as in your shoulder, joint mobilization may be an effective alternative to dry needling. This manual therapy technique involves the physical therapist gently moving the joint in repeated movements.

Can dry needling cause blood clots?

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.

Previous article
Why is white skin considered beautiful in Korea?
Next article
Is avocado a protein?