Can Dry Needling Make Pain Worse?
Dry needling treatment (also known as trigger point dry needling) has attracted a lot of attention recently and we love to use it in our practive of treating active adults and athletes and we use dry needling in our performance physical therapy practice.
However, one question often arises: Can dry needling make pain worse? Are there side effects? As an experienced performance physical therapist, I aim to provide a balanced perspective on this common concern.
Let's talk about if dry needling can make pain worse. PS- I have also written a blog about the pros and cons of dry needling that you can read here.
Understanding Dry Needling
Dry needling involves inserting thin, monofilament needles into specific knots, strands and points in muscles, known as myofascial trigger points, to release tension, reduce pain (typically referred to as myofascial pain), improve mobility/range of motion, and increase muscle function. While needling is an effective treatment for many patients, it’s important to recognize that responses to this treatment can vary.
Possible Reasons for Increased Pain After Dry Needling Sessions
Initial Treatment Reaction
It’s common for patients to experience soreness or tenderness at the needle insertion sites immediately after treatment. This soreness is usually temporary and can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days and can be secondary to the local twitch response and, of course, placement and insertion of the needle itself. Some describe this as being similar to muscle soreness.
Technique Sensitivity
The effectiveness and comfort level of dry needling can also depend significantly on the practitioner’s skill and technique. An inexperienced or inadequately trained therapist may inadvertently cause more pain or discomfort, so choosing a practitioner that is not only well trained, but confident and uses the technique daily will help to decrease the potential for increased pain.
Patient-Specific Factors
Pain perception varies widely among individuals (though everyone *thinks* they have a high pain threshold). Some patients may be more sensitive to the needling process, leading to a heightened pain response. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndromes, might experience a more pronounced pain response due to their heightened sensitivity to physical stimuli.
Managing and Mitigating Pain After Dry Needling Treatment Sessions
Communication and Education
Make sure your doc properly educates you on the process, common sensations and typical soreness/healing timeline before the treatment. This can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety related to post-treatment pain. Open communication during the session allows the therapist to adjust techniques in real-time, ensuring patient comfort and minimizing adverse reactions.
Aftercare Practices for Dry Needling
Stretching, Movement and Hydration: We advise our clients to stretch, move and hydrate well after treatment. This will get blood flow moving to flush out waste released by the trigger points and help facilitate the healing process.
Gradual Introduction
For patients new to dry needling or those with heightened sensitivity, starting with less targeted muscles or shorter sessions and gradually increasing the duration and intensity can help the body acclimate to the treatment.
When to Seek Alternatives to Dry Needling
While dry needling can be highly beneficial for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. If a patient consistently experiences increased pain or adverse reactions despite adjustments in technique and aftercare, it might be time to consider alternative treatments. Manual therapy and therapeutic exercise may provide some of the same benefits (we usually use these in conjunction with dry needling), but it will generally take more time to feel the effects.
Summary
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.
As a performance physical therapist, the goal is always to enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life. By maintaining a patient-centered approach, continually refining our skills, and staying informed about the latest evidence-based practices, we can ensure that dry needling remains a valuable tool in our therapeutic arsenal without causing undue pain or discomfort. If you have concerns about dry needling or experience increased pain, don't hesitate to discuss these with your therapist to find the best path forward for your specific needs.
Where to find dry needling in Jacksonville, FL
Samson Strength and Performance Physical Therapy offers dry needling treatment at our practice. We're located in Jacksonville Beach and would love to work with you. You can get started by booking a free call with us by clicking here and filling out our contact form.
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