Is dry needling safe?

Dry needling is a practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin. The primary goal is to break up painful trigger points, which are tight bands that can form on the muscles. This practice is called dry needling because although needles are inserted, no medication is injected. 

Although it shares some similarities to acupuncture, dry needling is a distinct form of treatment that is rooted in Western medicine and aims to achieve slightly different goals. If you are being recommended for dry needling or have come across this form of treatment in your research, you may be wondering if it is safe. To help you better understand the answer to this question, we’re sharing the following information. 

Feel free to reach out to us at any time for answers to your questions or if you’d just like to learn more about how we can help. 

Dry needling can be safely performed by a trained professional 

Clinical research has shown dry needling to be a generally safe practice that only results in infrequent and minor side effects, including mild soreness and light bruising. The most important thing to take into consideration when exploring dry needling is to make sure it is being performed by a licensed professional who has been trained in safely applying the needles. 

Here are the primary benefits that properly performed dry needling can offer to patients: 

• Relieves myofascial pain by breaking up trigger points
• Restores function and mobility to the area
• Stimulates blood flow and nutrients to the area
• Releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever

Dry needling is usually not performed by itself, but is instead combined with other physical therapy treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

Dry needling at SSOR

At SSOR, our expertly trained therapists have decades of combined experience in safely performing dry needling and all of the other treatment options we offer. We are passionate about ensuring that our patients feel informed and comfortable about treatment options that are recommended to them. 

To learn more and schedule your initial appointment, contact a member of our friendly team today.