“Études has saved us thousands of hours of work and has unlocked insights we never thought possible.”
Annie Steiner
CEO, Greenprint
“Études has saved us thousands of hours of work and has unlocked insights we never thought possible.”
Annie Steiner
CEO, Greenprint
Dry needling is a popular treatment used by physical therapists to relieve muscle pain, stiffness, and trigger points. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into muscles to release tension and promote healing. While dry needling can be highly effective, post-treatment care is just as important to ensure the best possible results and prevent complications. Knowing what not to do after dry needling is essential for optimizing recovery and maintaining the benefits of the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll cover key things to avoid after dry needling, common side effects, and how to take care of yourself in the hours and days following treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we dive into what to avoid, it\u2019s helpful to understand the common side effects that may occur after a dry needling session. These effects are generally mild and temporary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While these side effects are normal, they can be exacerbated by certain actions or behaviors. Here\u2019s what to avoid to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it matters<\/strong>: After dry needling, your muscles need time to recover. Strenuous exercise, such as weightlifting, running, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can put unnecessary strain on the treated areas and may worsen soreness or prolong recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Opt for light activities such as walking, gentle yoga, or stretching. These low-impact exercises help keep your muscles moving without overworking them. Gradually increase your activity level as your body heals, but avoid pushing yourself too hard within the first 24-48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: Heat can increase inflammation in the muscles, especially in the first 24 hours after treatment. Applying heat, such as heating pads or hot showers, may worsen soreness or prolong the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Use ice packs on the treated areas to reduce soreness and inflammation. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, with a thin cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin. Avoid leaving the ice on for too long, as it can cause skin irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it increases blood flow by dilating blood vessels. While this may seem like a good idea, increased blood flow can actually worsen bruising and soreness after dry needling. Alcohol can also dehydrate you, which slows the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte-rich beverages, such as coconut water. Hydration is crucial for flushing out toxins, reducing muscle soreness, and promoting overall recovery. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after your dry needling session to give your body the best chance to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: While it might be tempting to rub or massage the sore areas after dry needling, this can aggravate the muscles and potentially interfere with the treatment’s benefits. The needle insertion points are designed to release muscle tension, and over-stimulating the area can cause irritation or further soreness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Allow your muscles to relax naturally. If you feel discomfort, use gentle stretching or apply an ice pack as recommended. If soreness persists, wait 24-48 hours before considering any light massage, and even then, make sure to avoid deep tissue work for several days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: While staying hydrated is important, drinking excessive amounts of water immediately after dry needling isn\u2019t ideal. Overhydration can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or muscle cramping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Drink water in moderation. Pay attention to how your body feels and try to maintain a balanced intake of fluids. Drinking too much too quickly can overwhelm the body, so aim for a steady intake throughout the day to stay hydrated without overdoing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: Dry needling is not a \u201cquick fix\u201d treatment, and it\u2019s important to manage your expectations after the session. Some people feel immediate relief, while others may need several treatments before experiencing significant improvement. Expecting immediate results can lead to frustration, especially if soreness or discomfort lingers for a day or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Be patient with your recovery. Healing takes time, and dry needling works best when combined with other therapies like physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Monitor how you feel over the next few days and keep in touch with your therapist about your progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: Just like applying heat directly to the treated areas, exposing your body to excessive heat through hot baths, saunas, or steam rooms can increase blood flow and exacerbate soreness or bruising. Heat also relaxes the muscles too much, which can interfere with the healing process initiated by dry needling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Stick to warm (not hot) showers for the first 24 hours, and avoid saunas or steam rooms altogether. If you enjoy using heat therapy for relaxation, wait a couple of days until the soreness from the treatment has subsided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: While dry needling is generally safe when performed by a qualified professional, complications such as infection, severe pain, or excessive bleeding can occur, though they are rare. Ignoring these signs could lead to more serious health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Watch for signs of complications, such as severe pain, increased swelling, redness, or pus at the needle sites. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It\u2019s better to be cautious and seek medical advice if something doesn\u2019t feel right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: Dry needling is a powerful therapy, but the muscles need time to recover between sessions. Repeating treatment too soon can overstress the muscles and delay overall healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Follow your therapist\u2019s guidance on how often to schedule treatments. Most therapists recommend spacing sessions a week apart or longer, depending on your body\u2019s response. This gives your muscles time to heal fully between treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters<\/strong>: Dry needling is often part of a larger physical therapy program designed to treat muscle pain, tightness, or dysfunction. If you neglect other aspects of your treatment plan, such as stretching, strengthening exercises, or posture correction, you may not see the full benefits of dry needling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to do instead<\/strong>: Stick to your prescribed physical therapy routine. Dry needling is a complementary treatment that works best in conjunction with targeted exercises, stretching, and lifestyle changes. Consistently following your physical therapy program will help ensure long-term relief and improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a dry needling session, your body needs time and care to recover. Avoiding strenuous activities, alcohol, heat, and overhydration can help reduce side effects like soreness and bruising, while following your therapist’s advice on self-care will ensure the best results. Most importantly, listen to your body and be patient with the recovery process. By knowing what not to do after dry needling, you\u2019ll maximize the treatment\u2019s effectiveness and set yourself on the path to long-term pain relief and improved muscle function.<\/p>\n\r\n2. Don\u2019t Apply Heat to the Treated Areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Avoid Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Don\u2019t Massage the Treated Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Avoid Overhydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Don\u2019t Expect Immediate Results<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Avoid Hot Baths or Saunas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Don\u2019t Ignore Signs of Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Avoid Repeating Treatment Too Soon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Don\u2019t Neglect Your Physical Therapy Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n