What not to do after dry needling?

Asked by: Devonte Ratke  |  Last update: February 17, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (9 votes)

What Not to Do After Dry Needling
  1. Skip the Gym (Seriously) ...
  2. Don't Forget to Hydrate. ...
  3. Avoid Overthinking Post-Needling Soreness. ...
  4. Say No to Alcohol. ...
  5. Don't Sit for Too Long. ...
  6. Skip Over-the-Counter Painkillers. ...
  7. Most Importantly: Don't Ignore Your Therapist's Advice.

What is the best thing to do after dry needling?

Here are some things you should do after dry needling.
  • Rest and avoid strenuous activity. ...
  • Drink plenty of water. ...
  • Apply mild to moderate heat over sore areas. ...
  • Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises. ...
  • Follow your Chiropractor's instructions. ...
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine. ...
  • Follow a healthy diet. ...
  • Continue with your exercises.

How long should you rest after dry needling?

Following the dry needling procedure, it is crucial to rest for at least 24 hours to let the body respond and recover from the minor trauma caused to the muscle tissues at their trigger point. Avoiding strenuous physical activity after dry needling is recommended to prevent exacerbating any inflammation or soreness.

Can barely walk after dry needling?

If you had a muscle in your leg worked on, it may be a little difficult to walk. That is perfectly normal.

Should I take a muscle relaxer after dry needling?

An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID, may be advised if medically appropriate. For some patients I discuss starting a muscle relaxer to help them overcome the acute pain, but a long-term plan to address the muscle spasms is always a part of the discussion.

What to do after dry needling

32 related questions found

What is negative about dry needling?

Since dry needling involves a needle penetrating the skin, iatrogenic injury to vessels, nerves, spinal cord, internal organs, implanted devices, or infection are possible hazards for patients.

Why is dry needling illegal in California?

In California, this code explicitly excludes dry needling from the physical therapy scope of practice, primarily due to concerns about adequate training and safety. This restriction is supported by the California Board of Acupuncture and other professional bodies advocating for stringent standards​ (Kaman Law)​.

Why did dry needling hurt so much?

You may also feel discomfort during the needling. Sometimes, people don't feel the needle going in because it's so small, but other times, people will feel a prick. When the needle is in the trigger point, it can be painful and cause a twitch response.

What is the cost of dry needling?

The price for dry needling sessions varies according to practitioner. Some charge about $40 to $60 per session, others as low as $15 per session.

Who is not a candidate for dry needling?

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.

How to tell if dry needling is working?

Signs that dry needling is working

The most obvious is a reduction in pain and increased range of motion in the affected areas. You may also notice improved muscle strength and coordination, less muscle tightness, and a general enhancement in function.

Why am I so tired after dry needling?

The knots in your muscles are relieved when a “twitch response” is achieved. This twitch response is caused by your muscles rapidly contracting and relaxing. This twitch response causes localized neuromuscular fatigue.

Are toxins released after dry needling?

This stimulates the irritated muscle, which releases the muscle toxins, thereby improving movement. Dry needling typically reduces pain and restrictions quicker than traditional treatments. A good sign dry needling is working is when your muscle twitches or feels a bit achy from this treatment.

What happens the day after dry needling?

One common side effect is feeling short-term discomfort which will usually resolve itself within 24 to 48 hours. You may also feel more tired than usual after the session. Although rare, some patients may experience bruising if they are taking blood thinners.

What happens when dry needling hits a nerve?

When a needle grazes or “hits” a nerve during dry needling, you might feel a quick, sharp sensation. It's often described as a zapping or shooting feeling that travels along the nerve pathway. This happens because nerves are essentially your body's electrical wiring—they're designed to send signals to your brain.

Should you take ibuprofen after dry needling?

Pain Medication After Dry Needling

It's common for some patients to encounter mild soreness or temporary exacerbation of symptoms, and in such cases, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may be considered.

Will insurance pay for dry needling?

The good news is that some insurance plans do cover dry needling, but there are limitations to this coverage. The types of insurance that may cover dry needling include health insurance. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific plan and the reason for seeking treatment.

What are the cons of dry needling?

Understand the Potential Downsides of Dry Needling
  • Possible Side Effects: Soreness & Bruising. Your physical therapist inserts a sterile needle into an area that may already be tight, tense, and painful. ...
  • Risk of Infection. ...
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs. ...
  • Limited Research Due to Funding. ...
  • Consult Doctor for Possible Contraindications.

How much does a dry needling therapist get paid?

$70,000 - $90,000

Conduct thorough evaluations, diagnoses, and create…

In what states is dry needling illegal?

In the United States, dry needling is illegal, even administered by licensed therapists in the following states:
  • California.
  • Hawaii.
  • New York.
  • Oregon.
  • Washington.

Why do I feel sick after dry needling?

Systemic Effects: Dry needling can sometimes cause systemic effects such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness. This is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours.

Does Medicare pay for dry needling?

Not all providers can give acupuncture, and Medicare can't directly pay Licensed Acupuncturists for their services. Medicare also doesn't cover acupuncture (including dry needling) for any condition other than chronic low back pain.

Is dry needling a sham?

Based on the statistical significance and clinical effectiveness, the results of this randomized, parallel group, sham-controlled, double-blind, single center clinical trial suggest that trigger point dry needling in patients with CTTH is effective and safe in reducing headache frequency, intensity and duration, and ...

Why is dry needling illegal in Florida?

Stevenson said that “dry needling meets the definition of acupuncture in Florida law because it involves the insertion of acupuncture needles” into specific areas of the body. He noted that the law generally bans physical therapists from performing acupuncture, allowing it only when “no penetration of the skin occurs.”

What is an alternative to dry needling?

Joint mobilization — When it comes to tight fascia that's impacting the range of motion of your joints, such as in your shoulder, joint mobilization may be an effective alternative to dry needling. This manual therapy technique involves the physical therapist gently moving the joint in repeated movements.