Which of the following is a common side effect of dry needling that should be communicated to patients?

Bleeding is a common side effect associated with dry needling that practitioners should communicate to patients. During the process of inserting needles into the skin or muscle, it's possible to puncture small blood vessels, which can lead to minor bleeding at the insertion site or lead to a small bruise. Understanding this potential side effect helps prepare patients for the experience and manages their expectations regarding their own recovery and any visible signs of treatment.

While allergic reactions, swelling, and infections are also important considerations in patient care, they are less frequent occurrences associated with dry needling. Allergic reactions might occur due to the materials or disinfectants used but are not common side effects of the procedure itself. Swelling can happen but is usually a temporary reaction and not as widely reported as bleeding. Infections, while possible, are quite rare when proper hygienic techniques are followed during the procedure. Therefore, the information about bleeding is paramount for patient awareness and safety.