In the hands of properly trained practitioners, dry needling techniques are very safe; certainly safer than many of the drug treatments we use. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has some potential problems. In addition, there are a few “side effects” produced by dry needling treatment that can be troublesome in certain people.

Here is a list of some of the side effects you may, or may not, experience:

• Momentary discomfort where the needles are inserted.
• Drowsiness and sleepiness.
• Minor bleeding and bruising.
• Temporary worsening of your symptoms.
• Fainting.
• Onset of a migraine headache, if you are a sufferer.
• Feeling faint, during or after treatment.

Rare but serious risks include:

• Damage to an internal organ from insertion of a needle.
• Infection in the area where the needle was inserted, or spreading through the blood system.

The needles used are solid and extremely fine, unlike injection needles which, being thicker and hollow, work a little like a hole punch – traumatising the tissues and causing damage. Injection sites are normally painful afterwards, dry needling sites are not.

It is usual to feel a mild pricking sensation as the needle pierces the skin but once the needle is in position patients usually report an aching or warm sensation.

It is unusual for the needles to be uncomfortable when in situ.

Occasional there is a tiny droplet of blood when the needle is removed but generally there is none. Usually the biggest problem is the patients anticipation of  pain!

Most people are pleasantly surprised and some patients feel nothing at all when the needles is inserted.

Osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council – a statutory body recognised by government – and patients are able to give blood after receiving dry  needling treatment from an osteopath.

The Blood Service will need the name and GOsC registration number of your practitioner and the dates on which you received treatment, if it has been within the four months leading up to your donation.

Please ask the receptionists for a card with these details.

Our treatments are aimed at working on the root cause of your condition as well as the main symptoms, helping to resolve your specific symptoms and enhance your feeling of wellbeing. Although people are often nervous at the thought of needles, we’ll take the time to explain how they may feel and make sure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. People mostly feel a tingling or warm sensation where the needles are inserted. We will use a number of techniques which are designed to allow you to relax. We will ask you about your general health and your medical history. If your visit is due to a specific health condition, they will ask about the symptoms of this condition and about any other treatment you have received for it. Following your consultation we assess your personal health with a head to toe analysis of your posture preformed by one of our experienced Osteopath’s.