Dry needling is a popular way to ease muscle pain, and those who have experienced it find relief from it. But you might wonder—can dry needling make pain worse?
While dry needling involves inserting thin needles into tight muscles to help them relax, some people may feel a little more pain at first. This is usually a normal part of the healing process and depends on how sensitive you are. The good news is that with skilled care, any discomfort is usually mild and short-lived, leading to long-term relief.
Want to learn more about what dry needling feels like and how it can help you? Keep reading.
Can Dry Needling Make Pain Worse? A Short Answer
Dry needling can occasionally cause more pain, especially if you’re sensitive or if the technique isn’t applied properly. This short-term discomfort is usually part of the body’s healing process as muscles recover. Factors like where the needles are placed and how much pain you can handle make a difference.
To avoid unnecessary pain, it’s important to choose a skilled professional who knows the right technique and provides proper care after your treatment.
Choose Gentle, Expert Dry Needling at FlexiFit Physiotherapy in Australia
If you’re thinking about dry needling and worried about discomfort, FlexiFit Physiotherapy is here to help. Our skilled practitioners are trained to make your treatment both effective and as comfortable as possible. We take a precise and personalised approach to reduce any discomfort and help you recover faster.
Trust us to enhance your health without the worry of additional pain after the session. Ready to feel better? Call us today on 02 8542 9507 or visit our Contact Us page to book your appointment.
What Causes Increased Pain After Dry Needling?
Dry needling uses thin needles to target tight muscles and relieve tension and pain. While many feel great relief, some may experience more pain after the treatment. Knowing why this happens can help you better manage your expectations and results. Here are five reasons why you might feel increased pain after dry needling:
Muscle Soreness
After a dry needling session, it’s normal to feel some muscle soreness, usually starting a few hours after treatment. This soreness happens because the needles activate tight knots in the muscles, known as trigger points, which can cause pain and tension in a larger area. As the needles work to release these knots, you might experience a temporary increase in tension and discomfort. This soreness is usually mild to moderate and can last from a few hours to a few days.
To manage this soreness, try gentle stretching, applying heat to the area and keeping up with moderate activity. This will help improve blood flow and support muscle recovery.
Improper Needle Placement
If the needles are not placed accurately, it can lead to increased pain. That is why it is important to choose certified and experienced professionals for treatment. Incorrect placement can irritate the muscle or nearby nerves, which may worsen the symptoms you’re trying to relieve.
Having expertise and precision in finding the right trigger points is essential to avoid these issues. Always consult practitioners with a strong track record and proper credentials in dry needling to minimise any risks associated with improper technique.
Body’s Natural Response
Some people may have a higher sensitivity to pain or a stronger reaction to needle insertion, which can lead to temporary discomfort. This natural response varies from person to person. Some might feel only mild discomfort, while others may have a stronger reaction.
Factors like individual pain thresholds, muscle sensitivity and even daily physical condition can affect how your body responds to dry needling. By understanding and discussing these factors with your practitioner, you can help tailor the treatment to your needs and potentially reduce any discomfort.
Pre-existing Conditions
Patients with certain medical conditions may feel more pain after dry needling. Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or inflammatory issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can influence how individuals respond to treatment. These conditions often lead to increased sensitivity to pain, making discomfort more likely during and after the procedure.
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to understand how your specific conditions might affect dry needling. A practitioner who knows your health history can adjust the treatment approach, possibly using fewer needles or changing their placement to accommodate sensitive areas.
Psychological Factors
Anxiety or fear about the procedure can also increase pain perception. For those who feel nervous about dry needling, the anticipation of pain can lead to a stronger pain response during treatment.
Being relaxed and informed about the process can help lessen these feelings. Discussing any concerns with your practitioner can be helpful. They can explain the procedure step by step and even demonstrate needle insertion on a less sensitive area of the body. Additionally, using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music during the session can ease tension and reduce discomfort.
How to Manage Increased Pain After Dry Needling
Managing discomfort following dry needling is crucial for a positive treatment outcome. Some effective strategies that may help you manage the pain and discomfort are:
Cold and Heat Therapy
Applying ice or a cold pack right after a dry needling session can help reduce swelling and numb the area to alleviate pain. It’s best to use cold therapy in intervals—about 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off—during the first 24 hours after treatment. After that, switching to heat therapy can be beneficial.
Heat packs relax and loosen stiff muscles, promoting increased blood flow, which aids healing. Heat can help soothe the treated area, provide comfort and help relieve any remaining pain. Using both cold and heat therapy is effective for managing discomfort from dry needling and supports quicker recovery.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
For managing pain after dry needling, over-the-counter pain medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be helpful. These medications reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. However, it’s important to use these medications carefully and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you are on other medications or have health conditions that could interact with these pain relievers. Always follow the recommended dosage, and consult a healthcare provider if pain persists or if you have any concerns about taking these medications.
Light Stretching and Movement
Gentle stretching and light movement after a dry needling session can help ease muscle tightness and promote recovery. Activities like gentle yoga or simple stretching exercises targeting the affected areas can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. However, it’s crucial to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities right after treatment, as these can increase pain. Light activity encourages blood flow to the muscles without straining them, helping to reduce soreness and speed up the healing of the tissues affected during dry needling.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for recovery after dry needling. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins that may have been released from the muscles during treatment. Proper hydration supports optimal muscle function and can lead to faster recovery by reducing soreness and stiffness. It’s recommended to increase your water intake after treatment and continue drinking water regularly to promote overall muscle health and well-being.
Who Should Avoid Dry Needling?
Dry needling is not for everyone. Here are some individuals who should steer clear of this treatment:
- Individuals with Needle Phobia: Those with a significant fear of needles may experience increased anxiety, which can counteract the benefits of the treatment.
- Patients with Certain Medical Conditions: These include those with severe skin conditions, infections at the site of needling or those who are immunocompromised.
- Those on Blood-Thinning Medications: As dry needling can cause bruising or bleeding, it’s important for individuals on such medications to consult their doctor.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
Deciding whether to try dry needling involves considering several factors related to your health, pain concerns and overall wellness goals. These important points can help you determine if dry needling is the right treatment for you:
Assess Your Condition and Pain Type
Dry needling can be highly effective for conditions involving musculoskeletal pain, such as myofascial pain syndrome, sports injuries and chronic muscle tension. If your pain originates from muscle knots or trigger points, dry needling might provide significant relief.
It’s essential to have a clear diagnosis or a thorough understanding of your pain’s source to assess whether this treatment could be beneficial.
Consult a Qualified Practitioner
Seeking advice from a qualified healthcare professional who specialises in dry needling is crucial. These practitioners can offer a comprehensive assessment to determine if dry needling is appropriate for your condition. They will evaluate your medical history, current health status and specific symptoms to make an informed recommendation.
Choose a practitioner who is certified and experienced in dry needling to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Consider Your Pain Threshold
Dry needling involves inserting needles into trigger points, which can cause temporary discomfort during the procedure. If you have a low pain tolerance, this might be an important consideration. Discuss with your practitioner any concerns about pain during the procedure; they may be able to adjust their techniques or offer local anaesthetic creams to reduce discomfort.
Understand the Potential Risks and Benefits
Like any medical treatment, dry needling comes with potential risks and benefits. Common side effects include temporary soreness, bruising and fatigue. However, serious complications are rare when performed by a skilled practitioner. Weighing these risks against the potential benefits, such as pain relief and improved mobility, can help you make an informed decision.
Evaluate Other Health Factors
Certain health conditions, such as skin infections, immune system disorders or severe needle phobia, may complicate or contraindicate the use of dry needling. Additionally, if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners, special considerations are needed. Discuss all relevant health factors with your healthcare provider to ensure that dry needling is safe for you.
Wrapping Up
Dry needling can sometimes cause temporary discomfort that may feel like more pain than before, especially for those with heightened sensitivity or specific health conditions. However, when performed by experienced practitioners, any initial pain is usually short-lived and can lead to significant long-term relief from chronic pain and muscle tension. Overall, while there may be some increased discomfort initially, dry needling can be an effective tool for pain management when done correctly. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your practitioner for the best outcomes.