You just finished your first session and are wondering what to do after dry needling?

While many people experience immediate relief, knowing the right steps to take after can help maximize your results and recovery. Here is everything you need to know about what to do after your appointment.  

Ways to Optimize Recovery After Dry Needling

Light Movement or Active Recovery 

Everyone responds a little differently after dry needling. Some individuals may experience some muscle soreness or fatigue which is common.

If you notice soreness, you may want to avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for 24-48 hours following your appointment. However, this doesn’t mean avoiding activity altogether. 

When it comes to activity after dry needling, light to moderate exercise is best. It encourages circulation and helps reduce post-treatment soreness.

Hydrate 

Following dry needling it is recommended to make sure you drink plenty of water. Making sure to adequately hydrate after your appointment can help to flush out metabolic waste products that release in the muscle during the session. 

Staying adequately hydrated also helps to promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation and promote efficient healing in the areas that were worked on.

Skip Alcohol and Caffeine 

It is recommended to avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours following your dry needling appointment. Caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration and may interfere with the body’s natural healing process following your appointment. Opting for non-alcoholic and caffeine free drinks for at least 24 hours following your appointment can support optimal healing and recovery. 

Avoid Anti-Inflammatories 

Dry needling causes some low grade minimal inflammation in the area that was worked on. This is a good thing because inflammation is actually the first stage of the healing process. Your body and brain sense this minimal inflammation and increase blood flow and healing factors to the area. 

Using anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs or even ice can disrupt the healing processes and benefits of your session

Ready to book your next dry needling appointment in Denver, CO

If you’re looking for dry needling in Denver, Colorado or personalized one-on-one support to help manage pain or discomfort with activity we offer performance physical therapy services for active adults and athletes at Rise Performance and Physical Therapy 

If you’re looking for a provider who will listen to you, help you get to the root cause of your symptoms and find a long term solution that finally sticks, we’ve got you. 

We don’t believe in cookie cutter programming or telling you to “just rest” or avoid the activities you love. Our individualized approach helps you get back to what you love doing sooner without set backs or limitations 

Book your next dry needling session in Denver by clicking the button below to schedule a call with our Doctor of Physical Therapy