Though dry needling has technically been in practice since the 1980’s, it’s popularity among healthcare professionals has grown significantly in recent years.
As trained providers of dry needling in our physical therapy clinics, this article will center on the pros and cons of dry needling so you can make an informed decision regarding your healthcare.
Dry needling offers effective pain relief and improved mobility by targeting trigger points and promoting muscle relaxation. However, it can sometimes cause discomfort during treatment and carries a small risk of bruising or bleeding at the insertion sites.
In this article, we’ll discuss the upsides of dry needling based on what we’ve seen with our patients and discuss the potential risks and downsides.
Pros of dry needling
The pros of dry needling extend beyond just pain relief! This modality offers patients a holistic approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions and improving overall quality of life. In other words, it’s right up our alley as physical therapists!
Effective pain relief
One of the primary advantages of dry needling is its effectiveness in providing pain relief for various musculoskeletal conditions. By targeting trigger points and releasing tension in tight muscles, dry needling can help reduce pain associated with conditions such as chronic back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches.
Unlike medications that may come with side effects or dependency risks, dry needling offers a drug-free approach to chronic pain management (like physical therapy in general), making it a preferred option for many patients.
Enhanced muscle function and mobility
We all know that tight muscles and restricted movement can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. One of our favorite things about dry needling is that it relieves pain and restores tissue by promoting muscle relaxation and increasing blood flow circulation in the targeted areas.
This can lead to enhanced muscle function and increased range of motion. Whether recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to optimize athletic performance, dry needling can help regain mobility, which in turn restores normal movement patterns.
Targeted treatment approach
One of the unique aspects of dry needling is its ability to provide targeted treatment for specific areas of pain or dysfunction. While dry needling sessions certainly aren’t the only way to do this, we find that they are particularly effective when we need to specifically pinpoint a portion of a muscle belly or tendon.
With dry needling, we get to directly target trigger points or tight muscle bands. This precision can result in more effective outcomes with fewer treatment sessions, minimizing the need for additional interventions.
Complementary to other therapies
Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other physical therapy modalities, such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, and modalities like heat or ice therapy. In physical therapy, this is certainly always the case.
When combined with these complementary treatments, dry needling can synergistically enhance overall rehabilitation outcomes. By addressing both the soft tissue and neurological components of pain and dysfunction, dry needling can offer a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Minimal side effects and quick recovery
Unlike invasive procedures or surgeries, dry needling is minimally invasive and typically associated with minimal side effects. While some individuals may experience temporary soreness or minor bruising at the needle insertion sites, these symptoms usually resolve quickly, allowing for a relatively fast recovery.
This makes dry needling a convenient option for individuals seeking non-invasive pain management strategies with minimal downtime.
Cons of dry needling
While dry needling has gained popularity as a therapeutic technique for managing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, not every patient we have falls in love with this modality.
Like any medical intervention, dry needling comes with its own set of potential drawbacks that individuals should consider before undergoing treatment.
Discomfort During Treatment
This is probably the most commonly cited of dry needling’s cons. For some individuals, the process of dry needling itself can be uncomfortable or even painful, especially when targeting sensitive trigger points or tight muscle bands.
While we do use very thin filiform needles, their insertion into the skin and underlying tissues can cause sensations ranging from mild discomfort to sharp pain. As we’ve stated all across our site, we believe it’s important to communicate openly with your therapist during treatment if anything is feeling uncomfortable.
Risk of bruising or bleeding
While rare, there is a potential risk of bruising or minor bleeding at the sites where needles are inserted during dry needling. This risk may be higher for individuals who are prone to bruising or have underlying blood clotting disorders.
Although bruising and bleeding are usually mild and resolve on their own, patients should be aware of these potential side effects and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider before undergoing dry needling treatment.
Limited research on effectiveness
While there is growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of dry needling for certain musculoskeletal conditions, the research in this area is still evolving. Some studies have reported positive outcomes, while others have found mixed results or highlighted the need for further investigation.
As a result, the effectiveness of dry needling for specific conditions or patient populations may vary, and more high-quality research is needed to establish its efficacy definitively.
Not suitable for everyone
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.
Additionally, there are certain anatomical areas where dry needling should be approached with caution to avoid potential complications or injuries.
During your initial evaluation, your therapist will take your medical history and individual condition into account and likely won’t suggest dry needling as an option if you fall into one of the above categories. However, if you’ve got any questions about whether or not dry needling is a good fit for you, make sure to discuss this with your therapist.
Potential for adverse reactions
While extremely uncommon, there is a risk of adverse reactions or complications associated with dry needling, such as infection, nerve injury, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in rare cases.
While these complications are rare, patients should be aware of the potential risks and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider before proceeding with treatment, so we may adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Should you try dry needling?
We’ve had great success over the years by offering dry needling to patients. In general, we won’t suggest it to patients that we feel won’t benefit. Regardless, however, dry needling has pros and cons just like any other healthcare intervention.
While dry needling can offer significant benefits for many individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, we don’t encourage anyone to participate in a modality that they are uncomfortable with.
As stated above, make sure to communicate with your therapist if you have concerns. It’s highly likely that you’ll benefit greatly from dry needling if your healthcare provider is suggesting it.
If you’ve got questions, feel free to call our office or set up a no cost consult with one of our therapists to discuss your options!
