Why do you have to drink water after dry needling?

Asked by: Mrs. Minerva O'Connell I  |  Last update: December 5, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (63 votes)

Skipping water after dry needling is a rookie mistake. The therapy helps release toxins stored in tight muscles, and staying hydrated ensures these toxins are flushed out of your system. Neglecting to drink enough water can leave you feeling sluggish, achy, or even nauseous.

Why do you need to drink water after dry needling?

In the context of post dry needling care, proper hydration plays a pivotal role in promoting healing and recovery. After a dry needling session, the body requires sufficient water to flush out toxins and waste products that have been released during the dry needling treatment.

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 to keep muscles loose after dry needling?

Drinking plenty of water is another way to reduce muscle soreness after dry needling, just like how keeping yourself hydrated after an intense workout session is essential. Gentle, self-massage to the affected area could be beneficial for soreness as well since it keeps the muscles moving.

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.

What Is Dry Needling?: Benefits And How Dry Needling Works

18 related questions found

Why does it hurt so much after dry needling?

It is thought that post-needling soreness is a result of neuromuscular damage caused by the needle, as well as the body's hemorrhagic and inflammatory response to the procedure (1). Experts describe the pain as being similar to that experienced after a sports massage, or after intense exercise (2).

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 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.

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)​.

What happens if you hit a nerve while dry needling?

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.

How to know if dry needling is working?

Although you may have some soreness after a dry needling session, you will often notice some improvement in your symptoms within 24-48 hours. Again, the intensity of this improvement will ideally increase with each additional session.

How much does dry needling cost?

Treatments can run anywhere from $40 to $100+ per session. Still, when you compare these costs to copays for pain medication and more invasive procedures, dry needling may be more cost-effective overall. Contact your insurance provider to find out if dry needling is covered, and what you need to submit a claim.

What happens the day after dry needling?

You may experience increased muscle soreness after the treatment but it's important to keep moving. This is normal and may last for 24 to 36 hours. You could see some bruising near the treated area. This bruising may last for up to a week.

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 sciatica worse after dry needling?

Can dry needling make sciatica worse? While rare, some patients may experience temporary discomfort after treatment, but this usually subsides as the muscles adjust.

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.

Why is dry needling so painful?

Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp -- which is often referred to as a 'twitch response'.

What states don't allow dry needling?

Dry needling has been banned in these States
  • California.
  • Hawaii.
  • New York.
  • Oregon.
  • Washington.

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 ...

What are the negative effects of dry needling?

Dry needling side effects may include soreness, bleeding, bruising, and fatigue. A minimally invasive treatment with a low risk of complication, research suggests that dry needling may be effective in relieving acute and chronic pain.

Does insurance cover 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.

Are toxins released after dry needling?

It is normal to feel discomfort or soreness the day of and a few days after a needling session. It is important to drink plenty of water, move, and continue regular exercise after a needling session to help flush out toxins that were released into the muscles.

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.

Is dry needling better than massage?

Dry needling, says Rabin, gets right to the source. “With massage, it might take 15 or 20 minutes to work out that trigger point, whereas the needle can go deeper much more quickly.” Specialists who perform dry needling use the same type of needle as acupuncturists, targeting individual trigger points.

Who should not do dry needling?

Dry needling is not for those with unmanaged blood-clotting or immune-system disorders. Plus, the American Physical Therapy Association does not recommend dry needling for children younger than 12. Always check with your medical provider or physical therapist if you have concerns.