VasoVagal Response

Dry needling is a highly effective technique used by physical therapists to treat pain and muscle tension, but in rare cases, it can trigger a vasovagal response — a temporary drop in heart rate and blood pressure that may cause a patient to faint. While fainting during dry needling is uncommon, it's typically caused by emotional or physical stress, fear of needles, dehydration, or pain sensitivity rather than the needles themselves. Recognizing the early signs of a vasovagal reaction, such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness, allows clinicians to act quickly and keep patients safe.

Physical therapists can reduce the risk of fainting during dry needling by using best practices like keeping patients in a lying position, encouraging hydration, and asking about past experiences with medical procedures. Patient education is also key — letting clients know what to expect during dry needling helps ease anxiety and prevent stress-induced reactions. Though vasovagal responses can be alarming, they are typically harmless and manageable, making dry needling a safe and trusted treatment option when performed by a trained professional.