If you’ve recently had your first dry needling session in Wollongong and woke up feeling sore the next day, you’re not alone. Post-treatment soreness is one of the most common experiences after dry needling—and in most cases, it’s a normal and expected part of the process.
Feeling Sore After Your First Dry Needling? Here’s Why It’s Normal and How to Recover
Your First Dry Needling
Why Dry Needling Can Cause Soreness
Dry needling works by targeting trigger points—tight, overactive areas within a muscle that can cause pain, restriction, and referred discomfort. When a needle is inserted into these points, it creates a small, controlled response in the muscle, encouraging it to release and reset.
This stimulation can lead to temporary inflammation and muscle tenderness, similar to the soreness you might feel after a deep remedial massage or an intense workout. Essentially, your body is responding to the treatment and beginning the healing process.
At our clinic in Wollongong, we regularly see this type of post-treatment soreness, especially after a first session.
What This Soreness Feels Like
Most people describe post–dry needling soreness as:
A dull ache or tight feeling in the treated area
Tenderness when pressing on the muscle
Mild stiffness the following day
This typically peaks within 24 hours and settles within 24–72 hours, depending on the area treated, your activity level, and your overall muscle health.
How to Recover After Dry Needling
Is the Soreness a Good Sign?
To help your body recover and get the most benefit from your session, a little aftercare goes a long way:
Hydrate well – Drinking plenty of water helps flush out metabolic waste released during treatment.
Avoid heavy exercise for 24–48 hours – Give your muscles time to adapt and recover.
Keep moving gently – Light walking or mobility exercises can reduce stiffness without overloading the muscles.
Use heat or gentle stretching – This can help improve circulation and ease tension, unless advised otherwise by your therapist.
Listening to your body is key. Mild soreness is normal, but sharp pain, increasing swelling, or unusual symptoms should always be discussed with your therapist.
In many cases, yes. While it’s not the goal to feel sore, post-needling tenderness often indicates that the muscle has responded to treatment. Many clients notice improved movement, reduced tension, and less pain once the soreness settles.
Dry needling is often most effective when combined with remedial massage, stretching, and a tailored treatment plan, especially for chronic pain or recurring muscle tightness.
Feeling sore after your first dry needling session can be uncomfortable, but it’s usually short-lived and part of the body’s natural response. With the right aftercare and guidance, most people find the benefits outweigh the temporary discomfort—leaving them feeling looser, more mobile, and better supported in their recovery.
Final Thoughts
Need a massage?
You can book directly with me
at my Wollongong clinic
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