Is Dry Needling Painful and Is It Safe?

What to Expect Before Your First Dry Needling Session in Newport Beach

If you have been dealing with persistent muscle tightness, recurring pain, or areas that never seem to fully relax, dry needling may already be on your radar. Many people searching for dry needling in Newport Beach or Orange County find themselves asking the same questions before booking:

Does dry needling hurt? Is it safe? What does it actually feel like?

What people are really asking is understandable and honest. What am I about to experience, and should I be nervous?

Let’s walk through it.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Most patients find dry needling far more comfortable than they expected. The needles used are extremely thin and much smaller than injection needles. They are designed to gently access tight or overactive muscle tissue.

When a needle targets a tight spot, you might feel a brief sensation such as a quick ache, pressure, or a short muscle twitch. That twitch response often means the muscle is releasing. These sensations usually last only a few seconds before fading away.

Many people say the anticipation feels worse than the actual treatment, especially once they notice how much looser their muscles feel afterward.

What Does Dry Needling Feel Like During and After Treatment?

Every body responds in its own way. During a session, some areas may feel barely noticeable, while others might feel more intense for a moment, particularly if the muscle has been tense for a long time. Your comfort always guides the session, and Dr. Pierce adjusts the treatment as needed.

After treatment, many patients report improved movement and a sense of relief. Mild soreness, similar to post workout stiffness, is common and usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. For most people, this soreness is a temporary step on the way to lasting improvement.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes, when performed by a well trained and experienced provider.

At OC Well Studio in Newport Beach, dry needling is performed by Dr. Tara Pierce, a licensed chiropractor and licensed acupuncturist with over 14 years of clinical needling experience. In addition, Dr. Pierce holds advanced dry needling certification, providing specialized training in modern, evidence informed dry needling techniques.

Her background in both acupuncture and certified dry needling allows for a deep understanding of anatomy, muscle mechanics, and nervous system response. This experience supports precise needle placement, thoughtful technique, and careful decision making throughout your session.

Sterile, single use needles are always used, and every appointment begins with a thorough review of your health history, goals, and concerns. If dry needling is not the best option for a particular area or condition, Dr. Pierce will guide you toward safer, effective alternatives.

Understanding Potential Risks

Most side effects of dry needling are mild and temporary. These may include localized soreness, light bruising, or feeling tired afterward. These responses are common and typically resolve within a day or two.

There are very rare but more serious potential complications, including infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, or in extremely uncommon cases, pneumothorax, which is a collapsed lung when needling near the chest area. These events are exceptionally rare when dry needling is performed correctly and conservatively.

You may have seen recent news coverage involving an NFL player who experienced a partial lung collapse following a dry needling session. While incidents like this are highly uncommon, they highlight the importance of provider training, anatomical knowledge, and cautious technique.

At OC Well Studio, Dr. Pierce is intentionally conservative and highly risk averse in her approach. She carefully evaluates anatomy, avoids unnecessary risk, and uses alternative techniques when appropriate. Patient safety always comes first.

Should I Be Nervous About Trying Dry Needling?

Feeling unsure before your first session is completely normal. Most patients say afterward that it was much easier than they expected.

Dry needling is not about pushing through pain. It is about helping muscles and the nervous system reset so your body can move better, recover more efficiently, and feel more balanced.

Why Patients Choose Dry Needling at OC Well Studio

Patients throughout Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Orange County often seek dry needling when stretching, massage, or other treatments have not fully resolved their symptoms. It is commonly used for chronic muscle tension, neck and shoulder tightness, headaches, jaw tension, and sports or workout related issues.

At OC Well Studio, dry needling is thoughtfully integrated with chiropractic care or manual therapy when appropriate, helping create meaningful and longer lasting results.

Ready to Experience Dry Needling in Newport Beach?

If you have been curious about dry needling but hesitant to try it, you are not alone. With the right provider, it can be a safe, effective, and surprisingly comfortable way to release stubborn tension.

Appointments at OC Well Studio in Newport Beach are personalized, unrushed, and focused on real results.

Book your dry needling appointment today and experience what it feels like when tight muscles finally let go.