What Dry Needling Feels Like and What to Expect
If you’ve found this blog and are wondering what dry needling is, check out my previous blog. I explain what dry needling is, how it’s performed, and pelvic floor conditions that benefit from this technique.
The most asked question after I’ve explained to a patient what dry needling is: “What does it feel like?”
In this blog, we will go over the following:
- Sensations during dry needling
- Immediate effects after dry needling
- Post-needling expectations
- Benefits of dry needling
It’s important to note that every muscle that I needle on my patients I have had needled myself, so I can tell you exactly what it feels like.
Sensations During Needle Insertion
The initial insertion of the needle feels to some like a little prick or pinching sensation, while others don’t notice the initial insertion. I’ve found that certain areas of the body are more sensitive. For example, the bigger muscles, such as the gluteal (buttock) muscles, are robust, and the initial insertion isn’t as noticeable. On the other hand, smaller muscles in the pelvic floor are more sensitive and the insertion is noted.
Here are some common feelings patients report when the needle hits a taut muscle band or trigger point (a hyperirritable knot within a muscle):
- Slight sting or pressure
- Muscle twitch response
- Tingling, heaviness, or dull ache
- Referred sensations away from the needle insertion
Immediate After-Effects of Dry Needling
Once the needle is removed, it is normal to feel the following sensations:
- Deep ache or soreness
- Relief or lightness in the treated area
- Muscle soreness or tenderness
- Fatigue or a sense of relaxation
It’s also important to note some short-term side effects of dry needling, such as:
- Bruising at needle sites
- Localized muscle soreness
- Possible lightheadedness
- Sweating
Post-Needling Expectations
I always educate my patients on post-needling expectations. We go over post-treatment care and the recovery timeline. Here is what you should know:
Post-Treatment Care
It’s important to hydrate well after a dry needling session. The treatment itself is taxing to the body, and the toxins that are released from the trigger point need to be “flushed” from the body.
One big thing I make sure my patients know is the importance of being active. The worst thing you can do for post-dry needling soreness is nothing! I encourage walking, gentle stretching, and movement. I do encourage them to hold off on strenuous activity as the muscles need to recover. However, loading the muscle fibers in this new lengthened state is highly beneficial.
Recovery Timeline
Post-dry needling soreness is expected, especially if numerous twitch responses were elicited from a trigger point. You can expect the soreness to last up to 48 hours, but the intensity of the soreness greatly lessens as time goes on.
Benefits of Dry Needling
- Improved blood flow: By lengthening a contracted or tight muscle, blood can freely enter and leave the muscle, providing oxygen to the tissue.
- Pain relief and muscle relaxation: Trigger points hold certain substances that are noxious stimulants or toxins to the muscle. This impacts the ability of the muscle to lengthen and contract properly. Releasing this tension improves muscle function and reduces pain.
- Improved range of motion: By lengthening a contracted muscle, the joints can move more freely.
In Summary
Dry needling can cause sensations like a slight prick, muscle twitch, tingling, heaviness, or a dull ache. Immediately after, you might feel soreness, relief, fatigue, or relaxation, with short-term side effects like bruising or localized soreness.
Post-needling care includes hydrating, staying active with gentle movements, and avoiding strenuous activities. Soreness typically lasts up to 48 hours. Benefits include improved blood flow, pain relief, muscle relaxation, and enhanced range of motion.
If you have questions or think dry needling could help you, feel free to contact us today! We would love to discuss your case.