Dry needling uses very fine needles to relax muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, and it should only be performed by a trained physical therapist or physician with expertise in the technique. Depending on the approach used, needles may pierce or tap sensitive nerve endings in the skin known as nociceptors.
What is a trigger point?
Trigger points are small, hyperirritable spots found in muscle knots, often associated with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. They typically feel like a tender, taut band, almost like a small ball under your finger when massaged, and can cause both localized and referred pain along with a brief twitch response. They can develop from stress, postural imbalance, repetitive motion, or the residual effects of an old injury.
How dry needling is done
A trained practitioner inserts a very fine, sterile microfilament needle into the affected muscle and locates the trigger point, sometimes moving the needle slightly to elicit a “local twitch response,” a brief muscle spasm. Most people feel only a mild pinch or brief discomfort as the needle goes in, which usually subsides quickly. Occasionally there’s minor bruising or a small amount of bleeding at the site, but this is typically minimal.
Can dry needling hit a nerve?
It’s possible, though extremely rare. If a needle does contact a nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, or tingling. If any of these symptoms show up after a session, it’s best to stop and talk with your therapist. Occasionally, repetitive and rapid needle insertions into trigger points can cause muscle irritation or minor nerve fiber involvement; this is a rare side effect and typically resolves on its own.
Does dry needling hurt?
Hitting a trigger point directly can cause a brief muscle twitch and a dull, heavy ache that lasts a few seconds before fading. Trigger points usually form in response to trauma or repeated strain in a muscle, and can contribute to pain, altered movement patterns, headaches, and joint dysfunction. Dry needling is one of the tools we use to address these trigger points as part of a broader pain management plan, improving mobility, easing symptoms, and speeding recovery.