What type of sensation might a patient feel during dry needling?

During dry needling, the sensation a patient may experience is typically a local twitch response, which can be accompanied by some discomfort. This phenomenon occurs because the needle stimulates the muscle tissue, particularly the trigger points, leading to a brief contraction followed by relaxation.

This twitch response can signal the release of tight muscle bands and provides a therapeutic effect, improving muscle function and reducing pain. The discomfort associated with this response is usually transient, indicating that the treatment is having an effect on the muscle fibers and surrounding tissues.

Other sensations, such as a sudden sharp pain in the area or a continuous dull ache, are not as characteristic of the dry needling experience. A sharp pain might indicate an adverse reaction or incorrect technique, while a dull ache typically pertains to muscle soreness rather than the intended therapeutic response of dry needling. A tingling sensation that lasts for hours is also atypical, as it suggests a potential nerve involvement rather than the expected localized effects of needling.