Who Should Not Get Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique physical therapists and other healthcare professionals use to treat muscular-skeletal pain and movement issues. It involves inserting thin needles through your skin in order to release trigger points – areas of tight muscle that cause discomfort or stiffness when activated. Although the treatment is generally considered safe, some minor side effects may occur. These include bleeding and bruising at the insertion site or during administration of medication.
Pregnant women
Women who are pregnant should avoid dry needling treatments due to the increased risk of infection from needles used during this treatment. This is because pregnancy causes major physical changes and could potentially put your health at risk. Pregnancy-related pain, such as back and neck discomfort, is often magnified because a growing baby pushes against the stomach and upper ribs. This can cause indigestion, hemorrhoids, bladder issues and more. Additionally, women in their first trimester of pregnancy have an increased risk for miscarriage. Therefore, it’s essential that you inform your healthcare provider so they can avoid using dry needling during this stage. If you’re experiencing back pain or sciatica during pregnancy, consider visiting Total Health & Rehab Center for safe and effective treatment options.
People with needle phobia
Dry needling should not be attempted if you are fearful of needles. Trypanophobia, or needle phobia, is a serious condition that may cause extreme anxiety to the point that some may even avoid vaccine shots and other medical tests or procedures altogether. Researchers have noted that individuals with needle or blood phobia tend to faint after being exposed to needles or blood, and often have a higher pain threshold than those without the fear. Individuals suffering from this phobia have several treatment options, from self-help techniques to professional assistance. Self-help techniques such as relaxation strategies, meditation and mindfulness practices can be very effective treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another successful option to help patients conquer their fear of needles and reframe negative thoughts about them. Hypnosis has even been known to be helpful in some cases. If you’re looking for alternative treatments for pain relief, consider visiting Total Health & Rehab Center for a variety of options.
People with unmanaged blood-clotting or immune-system disorders
Dry needling can be dangerous if you have a clotting disorder. It could cause blood clots in your arteries or veins, leading to miscarriage or other health complications. Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), also known as Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, can occur if your immune system has difficulty producing antibodies that target antiphospholipid antibodies in your body. It could also occur if you have an autoimmune disorder like systemic lupus erythematosus. In APS, your immune system produces antibodies that attach to phospholipids found in cells and fats. This causes blood to thicken in circulation and cause platelets to clump together. People with APS often develop clots in their arteries or veins, or experience miscarriage. Furthermore, this condition may be connected to diabetes. If you have any of these conditions, it’s best to speak with your GP before getting a needle. They may want to refer you to a haematologist; an expert who can assist in managing your illness and preventing blood clots. If you’re in need of a consultation with a specialist, consider contacting Total Health & Rehab Center.
People with a history of a reaction to an injection
Physical therapists use dry needling to relieve pain and muscle stiffness caused by trigger points (muscle knots). Trigger points are localized areas of muscle that cause spasm, making everyday activities challenging. Dry needling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses sterile thin filament/acupuncture needles. While it has its roots in Western medicine, dry needling has grown increasingly popular over the years as an effective form of pain management. There is some low-quality evidence that dry needling is more effective than sham or no treatment at relieving pain and improving PPT (prognostic pain threshold) during the immediate to 12 week treatment period for patients with musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, there has been an observed positive effect on functional outcomes as well. To learn more about dry needling and its benefits, visit Total Health & Rehab Center’s Dry Needling page.