Is Dry Needling Safe?
I’m here to answer your most burning questions about dry needling. And one of the most commonly Googled questions from patients who are interested in trying dry needling is this: “Is dry needling safe?”
And in short, yes it is. But allow me to take a minute to fully answer this question and provide you with a little more information.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment technique used to help increase range of motion, decrease pain, and stimulate tissue healing and repair in a specific area. It involves the use of a thin, monofilament needle inserted into myofascial trigger points, muscles, or connective tissues, with constant stimulation in order to achieve the greatest effect.
It’s a great option for athletes looking to make a speedy recovery after injury and is most effective when combined with hands-on manual techniques and therapeutic exercises during a physical therapy treatment plan.
How to Find a PT Certified in Dry Needling
It is extremely important to work with a physical therapist who is certified in dry needling. Yep, you definitely want someone who knows what they’re doing.
With the proper equipment and education, physical therapists can safely offer dry needling treatment. Physical therapists who offer dry needling in Washington state have completed multiple continuing education courses in order to provide this service. This helps to ensure that the physical therapist is aware of any potential contraindications, risks with treatment, and (perhaps, most importantly) has been trained in the proper techniques to use for dry needling. At my clinic, all needles are sterile and single-use to mitigate risk of infection or transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
In Washington state, providers must go through even more extensive training to be able to offer dry needling services to patients. In addition to being a licensed physical therapist and obtaining a certification in dry needling, providers also need to complete a clinical review of 150 treatment hours and sessions and apply for a state endorsement before being able to offer dry needling in the clinic. This means they are required to get a lot of practice hours done and verified by another provider who is also certified in dry needling before they offer it in the clinic.
Risks with Dry Needling Treatment
As with any treatment, there are risks associated with dry needling. I’m going to share some of the most common risks, including temporary pain or an increase in symptoms, and some of the extremely rare risks, which include infection in the area. If you have any questions or hesitation, make sure to communicate directly with your physical therapist regarding your concerns. At the end of the day remember this - although dry needling is a completely optional treatment technique, which means you should never feel pressured to try it.
Here are some of the most common risks and side effects of dry needling:
Drowsiness or fatigue
Dizziness or fainting
Minor bleeding or bruising
Temporary pain
Temporary increase in symptoms following treatment
Extremely rare side effects from dry needling may include:
Pneumothorax (symptoms may be several hours after dry needling treatment)
Nerve or blood vessel damage resulting in temporary numbness or tingling
Infection
Damage to internal organs
Benefits of Treatment
Alright, now let’s move on to review the benefits of dry needling and why you might consider it as part of your recovery and rehab treatment.
Dry needling is a quick and effective treatment technique that helps to:
Reduce pain pain
Increase blood flow and circulation to a targeted tissue
Relieve muscle tension and spasm of muscle tissue
Improve range of motion
Improve performance
It can be used in the management of a variety of aches and pains, from Achilles tendonitis to knee joint pain and ankle sprains. It’s combined with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise during your treatment and most patients see improvement after the first session.
How to Book an Appointment
I’m a sports physical therapist and have found that my athletes respond very well to dry needling when used in conjunction with physical therapy treatment options like strengthening and stability training.
If it’s something you’re interested in, chat with your local physical therapist to find out if it’s an option for you. If you’re local to Kennewick, WA or greater Tri-Cities area, I’d be happy to help you. Book a discovery call here to find out more.
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