Understanding Dry Needling: Treatment Behind T.J. Watt’s Injury Explained

The injury to Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has sparked widespread interest in the treatment known as dry needling. Watt recently underwent emergency surgery for a partially collapsed lung following this controversial procedure. His brother, J.J. Watt, confirmed that this incident would prevent T.J. from participating in an upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.

Understanding Dry Needling: What Is It?

Dry needling is a technique that has been utilized for thousands of years to relieve pain. According to Amy Green, an acupuncturist and clinical director at Heal PGH, it is designed to target specific areas in the body that can trigger or exacerbate pain. The practice involves inserting and manipulating solid filament needles into trigger points within the body’s myofascial tissue.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

The myofascial tissue is a connective tissue that is sensitive and can cause pain when it tightens or forms “knots.” During dry needling, the needle creates a reflex arc that leads to muscle twitching. This response helps reset muscle length, ultimately alleviating referred pain from the trigger point.

Dry needling can be beneficial for various types of pain, such as:

• Migraines
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendinitis
• Post-traumatic injuries

Is Dry Needling Dangerous?

Though frequently used in sports rehabilitation, dry needling is not uniformly legal across the United States. States such as California, Hawaii, New York, Oregon, and Washington have banned the practice. In places like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, the legality remains ambiguous.

As voiced by Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, there are inherent risks associated with dry needling. He expressed concerns about the possibility of complications, which can arise even from routine procedures.

Potential Risks and Complications

Dr. Ryan Chiu, a cardiothoracic surgeon, explained that if a needle penetrates too deeply and reaches the pleural cavity, it may injure the lung or cause air to enter this space, potentially leading to lung compression or collapse. The pleural cavity is the area between the layers of the pleura encasing the lungs.

The length of the needle plays a critical role in this process. For instance, Dr. Chiu noted that while a thinner individual may require only a short needle, a more muscular NFL player might need a needle measuring four to five inches long to potentially enter the pleural cavity.

Recovery After Surgery

After surgery for a collapsed lung, the typical recovery period is relatively quick. Dr. Chiu indicated that patients could leave the hospital within 24 to 72 hours, assuming no complications arise. While returning to everyday activities usually occurs within weeks, it remains uncertain whether this includes the intense demands of professional football.

In conclusion, while dry needling is increasingly popular in the athletic community for pain management, its risks—highlighted by T.J. Watt’s unfortunate experience—underscore the importance of skilled practitioners and the need for a comprehensive understanding of the procedure.