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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.
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.
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
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.
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
Pregnancy
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.
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 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