What to know before dry needling

All medications, particularly anticoagulants, must be disclosed. This directly affects the decision to treat and the technique chosen.

Bleeding disorders, immunosuppression, uncontrolled diabetes and a pacemaker should be disclosed beforehand.

Pregnancy must always be disclosed. It does not rule out treatment entirely, but certain regions are avoided and technique changes.

Any previous fainting or dizziness during needling should also be mentioned; the treatment is then done lying down.

Do not come on an empty stomach. Treatment while fasting increases the likelihood of dizziness and faintness; a light meal beforehand is appropriate.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows the treated region to be exposed. The area needs to be observable and palpable.

It is preferable not to have trained hard beforehand. Tenderness is more pronounced in a fatigued muscle.

You can and should ask about the practitioner's dry needling certification. It is your right and a standard question.

Which muscles will be targeted and how many points will be treated can be established beforehand. Sharing the plan is expected practice.

You can ask why needling was chosen and what the alternative is. As manual work gives similar results at most points, the choice is made with the patient.