Understanding Dry Needling

Dry needling helps treat pain and certain movement problems. It uses thin needles to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. Dry needling is like acupuncture. But it's based on Western medicine ideas, not traditional Chinese medicine. It's sometimes called Western acupuncture or intramuscular stimulation.

During dry needling, the healthcare provider puts needles into painful parts of the body. They touch, tap, or prick tissues to ease pain. Some methods target trigger points. These are spots in the muscles that are very sensitive. They may cause bumps or nodules.

How is this procedure done?

Dry needling involves passing a thin, dry needle through the skin into muscles, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue, or scar tissue in the body. It is done to ease or stimulate trigger points. The provider puts the needle into position. They then tap or flick the top of the needle to pierce the skin. They may keep the needle in place for up to 2 minutes until the trigger point relaxes.

Why is dry needling done?

Dry needling is used for many pain and movement problems. These include:

  • Chronic neck and low back pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
  • Tense muscles after stroke
  • Nausea
  • Migraine and tension headaches

Who does this procedure and who pays for it?

A licensed and trained acupuncturist or physical therapist often does dry needling. But licensing and training rules vary from state to state. Other licensed and trained providers may do dry needling near you.

Health plan coverage for dry needling also varies. Check with your insurance to find out if it covers this procedure.

Who should not have this procedure?

Dry needling is not for everyone. Other treatments may be better for some people, such as those with:

  • A fear of needles
  • Active skin infection
  • A weak immune system
  • Allergy to metal
  • Bleeding problems

What are the risks of dry needling?

All procedures have risks. The risks of dry needling are:

  • Bleeding and bruising where a needle was put in (insertion site)
  • Pain at and around an insertion site
  • Anxiety or fainting
  • Infection at an insertion site
  • Pooling of blood outside of a blood vessel (hematoma)
  • Air leaking into the space between your lung and chest wall (pneumothorax)
  • Injury to nerves or blood vessels

Before having dry needling, check that the provider is licensed and trained in the procedure. Also make sure they use sterile equipment.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if any of these occur:

  • Redness, red streaks, swelling, or pain that gets worse at an insertion site
  • Weakness
  • New pus or drainage from an insertion site
  • New symptoms or symptoms that get worse
  • Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed

Call

Call if you have any of these:

  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Lips, skin, or fingernails that are blue, purple, or gray in color
  • Feeling faint or dizzy
  • Trouble speaking or talking
  • Feeling of doom