The Top 6 Risks of Dry Needling for Individuals with Diabetes

Dry needling has emerged as a popular intervention for musculoskeletal pain. This technique, involving the insertion of fine needles into anatomic locations around nerves and muscles, aims to alleviate pain and improve function.^1–3 However, for individuals living with diabetes, this practice isn’t without its considerations and potential risks.⁴ Let’s delve into six critical factors that necessitate caution, ensuring a thorough understanding of the risks by patient and clinician.

1. Infection: The Silent Threat

For anyone considering dry needling, the risk of infection may seem minimal when procedures are conducted with sterile needles in hygienic environments^5,6. However, diabetes alters the terrain. Diabetes’s physiological effects may impair immunity, making it harder for the body to fend off infections successfully.⁷ Even with a small number of needles, the skin gets micro-injured, which could let germs in. Diabetes slows down the healing process of wounds.

Practitioners must follow strict health hygiene regulations; sterility is not negotiable. Even though the infection may be a small danger, it can be reduced with careful process adherence to standard precautions.^8,9 While infection might be a silent threat, it can be minimized through meticulous procedure compliance and post-procedure care if necessary.

2. Bleeding and Bruising: Navigating Fragility

Vascular alterations are common in people with diabetes, which makes them more fragile and more likely to bruise and bleed. During dry needling sessions, this danger may increase. Even though they are less invasive than surgical instruments, the tiny capillaries can be disrupted by the fine needles, leading to localized bleeding or bruising.^5,8,10

Informed consent is critical. Inform the patient of the increased risk of diabetes. To take preventive action, use smaller needle sizes with smaller diameters. In addition, people who have a history of bleeding or who are predisposed to bleeding should exercise extra caution.

3. Delayed Wound Healing: The Gradual Recovery

Recovery from minor insults, even dry needling lesions sustained during dry needling, depends on the body’s healing capacity. Diabetes may severely hamper wound healing. Since healing usually takes longer, this postponed recovery may result in more problems or persistent discomfort.

Clinicians must be careful about how often and intensely they treat patients to reduce these consequences. Patients should also be instructed on post-care recommended practices to promote better healing. These include maintaining a clean and safe environment, monitoring infection symptoms, and following a diet that encourages tissue regeneration.

4. Nerve Damage and Pain: A Delicate Balance

Since diabetic neuropathy already compromises nerve integrity, dry needling presents unique challenges. Neuropathy can cause an altered sensation or an increase in sensitivity; needle-based therapies have the potential to exacerbate these symptoms. Practitioners should determine the degree of neuropathy and modify their approach to avoid places with significant nerve involvement. Patients report any increase in pain immediately, ensuring that treatment remains safe and beneficial.

5. Hypoglycemia: The Unseen Response

Although dry needling does not directly impact blood glucose levels, the experience, especially any anxiety associated with the process, can cause the body to react stress-wise¹¹. When combined with insufficient food consumption before a session, stress might further affect glycemic control and result in hypoglycemic episodes.

Patients should regularly check their blood glucose levels before and after treatments to maintain stability. Practitioners should support this behavior and be prepared to modify the treatment plan or help if they see any indications of hypoglycemia.

6. Overall Precautions: The Holistic Outlook

A comprehensive strategy is required to successfully integrate dry needling into a diabetic patient’s treatment plan. A safe and efficient healthcare system is built on open communication channels between the patient, the healthcare provider, and the professional. Healthcare professionals need to know the ins and outs of diabetes and each patient’s medical history, sensitivity issues, and overall health objectives.

With these six things in mind, dry needling may still be able to help people with diabetes—as long as adequate safety measures are followed. There is plenty of literature on acupuncture’s benefits for those with diabetes.^4,12 It’s essential to incorporate a technique into a more comprehensive therapeutic plan that considers the unique aspects of the patient’s situation rather than just applying it.

Conclusion

Diabetes sufferers have special considerations regarding dry needling. People can make well-informed decisions regarding their health by being aware of the hazards, including infection, bruises, bleeding, delayed wound healing, nerve damage, hypoglycemia, and general precautions. Dry needling is a valuable tool for pain management and quality of life enhancement. Its benefits can be safely utilized with a balanced, customized strategy. The road to ideal health can be traveled with assurance and caution if one has the necessary information and practices. Proper training can mitigate the risks associated with dry needling. If you are a patient, discuss the risks of this procedure with your therapist and discuss their training in dry needling your diagnosis. If you are a practitioner who wants to learn dry needling, you can find a Structure & Function Education® foundation’s course near you; enroll in an open course today at www.structureandfunction.net.