Dry needling has become a go-to option for people struggling with stubborn muscle pain, tightness, and sports injuries. Physical therapists often recommend it as a way to target trigger points and speed up recovery. But like any treatment, it comes with risks. Knowing the potential dry needling side effects helps you weigh whether the benefits outweigh the downsides.
A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that about 35 percent of patients reported at least one minor side effect after dry needling. That number tells us two things: most side effects are mild, but they’re also common. Understanding them helps you manage expectations and avoid surprises.
Here are 12 side effects you should know about before your first session.
1. Muscle Soreness
Muscle soreness is the number one complaint after treatment. The discomfort feels a lot like post-workout soreness. It’s caused by the needle creating small injuries in the muscle fibers, which sparks your body’s natural repair response.
This kind of soreness usually fades in 24 to 48 hours. If it lingers, it may be worth asking your physical therapist about possible long term side effects of dry needling, especially if you’re having frequent sessions in the same area.
2. Bruising
Bruising is another common reaction. It happens when the needle hits a small blood vessel under the skin. While harmless, it can be unsightly and last up to a week. People who bruise easily or who are on blood thinners often notice this more.
Some critics point to issues like bruising and soreness as part of why dry needling is bad for certain patients, especially when less invasive therapies might achieve similar results.
3. Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired is a less obvious side effect, but one many patients notice. After dry needling, your nervous system and immune system are actively responding, which can leave you drained.
Most people bounce back after rest and hydration. Still, ongoing fatigue may raise questions about whether the therapy is worth continuing. This is another angle often cited in discussions about why dry needling is bad for some people.
4. Temporary Pain Flare-Up
For some, pain actually worsens right after a session. This rebound effect is a normal response to the microtrauma caused by the needle. The short-term flare-up often gives way to relief once your body has time to heal.
If pain doesn’t subside after a couple of days, it may suggest that your body isn’t tolerating the treatment well. Extended or repeated flare-ups can feel like long term side effects of dry needling, even if technically they are short-term.
5. Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Dizziness or feeling faint happens occasionally, especially if you’re nervous around needles or haven’t eaten beforehand. Some people also experience a rush of adrenaline during treatment, which can trigger lightheadedness.
This side effect is temporary, but it’s a reminder of why dry needling is bad for people with needle anxiety. In some cases, the stress response outweighs any physical benefit.
6. Headaches
Yes, dry needling can cause headaches. They often show up after treating the neck, shoulders, or upper back. The sudden release of muscle tension can irritate nerves or strain connected areas, leading to a dull or throbbing headache.
These headaches usually fade within 24 hours. Drinking water, resting, and using a cold compress often helps. If headaches continue after every session, you may need to reconsider whether dry needling is the right approach for you.
7. Infection Risk
Anytime the skin is punctured, infection is possible. In dry needling, this risk is extremely low when sterile, single-use needles are used. Still, people with compromised immune systems or skin conditions should be cautious.
If redness, swelling, or warmth develops at the site, see a doctor. It’s rare, but infections are one of the more concerning dry needling side effects to be aware of.
8. Nerve Irritation
Needles are meant to target muscles, but sometimes they get too close to a nerve. This can cause tingling, numbness, or sharp pain. While it usually passes quickly, repeated nerve irritation can become problematic.
Some patients report ongoing sensitivity, which feels like one of the long term side effects of dry needling, even though it’s uncommon. Choosing an experienced provider lowers this risk.
9. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
This is the most serious potential complication. If a needle punctures the lung in the chest or upper back, it can cause pneumothorax. Symptoms include sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Though rare, this side effect is a major reason some professionals argue why dry needling is bad for treating areas near the lungs. Proper training and anatomical knowledge are critical to avoid this.
10. Skin Reactions
Redness, itching, or swelling at the needle site may occur. These are usually mild and go away quickly. People with sensitive skin may notice them more often.
While skin irritation isn’t dangerous, it still adds to the list of everyday dry needling side effects that can make treatment uncomfortable, especially for those doing multiple sessions.
11. Long-Term Irritation
Most people tolerate dry needling well, but a small number develop ongoing sensitivity or scar tissue in treated areas. These long term side effects of dry needling are not well documented but are worth considering if you’re undergoing frequent therapy.
If you notice pain or tightness that never seems to go away, discuss it with your provider to decide whether it’s time to pause treatment.
12. Emotional Discomfort
For some, the hardest part of dry needling isn’t physical but emotional. People with a fear of needles may experience high anxiety, muscle tension, or even panic during sessions.
This emotional stress is a big part of why dry needling is bad for certain patients. Even if the treatment helps physically, the mental strain may outweigh the benefits.
When to Rethink Dry Needling
Deciding whether to try dry needling really comes down to your comfort with risk. Every therapy has trade-offs, but what makes this one unique is how personal the response can be. Some people walk away with quick relief, while others deal with side effects that feel more bothersome than the pain they started with. The real value lies in paying attention to your own body.
If you’re curious about trying it, ask questions, track how you feel afterward, and don’t be afraid to switch gears if it doesn’t serve you. At the end of the day, recovery isn’t about following the trendiest treatment, it’s about finding what actually helps you move, heal, and feel better in your daily life.