Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of dry needling?

Local infection is not typically recognized as a common side effect of dry needling, primarily because the technique emphasizes strict hygiene and sterile procedures during the application. Practitioners are trained to use single-use, sterile needles, and to implement proper skin preparation protocols, significantly reducing the risk of infection at the treatment site.

While pain at the site of needling, some degree of fatigue following treatment, and minor bleeding or hematoma formation are more frequently experienced side effects, especially in the initial stages of treatment, they are generally transient and resolve quickly. Understanding the importance of sterile techniques helps clarify why local infection is not a common outcome in a properly performed dry needling procedure.