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What Is Dry Needling, and Why Do NFL Players Still Use It After T.J. Watt’s Lung Scare?

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

What Is Dry Needling, and Why Do NFL Players Still Use It After T.J. Watt’s Lung Scare?
T.J. Watt (Image Credits: Imagn)

When news broke that Steelers star T.J. Watt suffered a collapsed lung, it sent shockwaves through the NFL, especially after reports connected the incident to dry needling, a treatment widely used by professional athletes. Despite the scare, players across the league continue to rely on the therapy.

So what exactly is dry needling? Why is it so common in the NFL, and why hasn’t Watt’s incident changed how players view it? Let’s find out.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to relieve muscle tightness, pain, and spasms. Medical professionals insert thin, solid needles directly into tight muscle bands, also known as trigger points.

Unlike acupuncture:

  • Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and sports medicine
  • It targets muscle dysfunction, not energy flow
  • It is commonly used in physical therapy and athletic training settings

How Common Is Dry Needling in the NFL?

Dry needling is extremely common among NFL trainers, team doctors, and players. Many athletes receive the treatment weekly as part of their recovery routine. It is often used for Back, neck tightness, Hamstrings, calves, hip flexors, Shoulder, and upper-body muscle recovery.

What Happened to T.J. Watt?

According to reports, T.J. Watt suffered a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) following a dry needling session. The injury required medical attention and temporarily sidelined the star defender.

Why NFL Players Are Not Worried After Watt’s Lung Scare

Despite Watt’s situation, most NFL players have not changed their stance on dry needling.

Players and trainers point to:

  • Millions of treatments performed safely
  • The rarity of severe complications
  • Trust in certified medical professionals

As one NFL athletic trainer explained in the report:

“This is something players have been doing for years. One rare case doesn’t erase the benefits they feel every week.”

Is Dry Needling Dangerous?

Dry needling is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it is not risk-free.

Potential risks include:

  • Minor bleeding or soreness
  • Temporary pain at the insertion site
  • Rare complications, such as nerve irritation or pneumothorax

Medical experts stress that risk increases only when:

  • The procedure is done improperly
  • It is performed too close to the lungs
  • The practitioner lacks proper training

NFL teams typically use licensed and highly experienced professionals, which minimizes risk.

Has the NFL Changed Any Policies After Watt’s Injury?

As of now, there is no indication that the NFL has banned or restricted dry needling following Watt’s lung scare. Teams may review protocols, but the therapy remains widely accepted.

FAQs About Dry Needling and the NFL

Q1. What is dry needling used for in the NFL?
A. It is used to relieve muscle tightness, reduce pain, and speed up recovery.

Q2. Did dry needling cause T.J. Watt’s collapsed lung?
A. Reports link the pneumothorax to a dry needling session, but experts say the complication is extremely rare.

Q3. Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
A. No. Dry needling focuses on muscle trigger points and modern sports medicine, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Q4. Is dry needling safe for athletes?
A. Yes, when performed by trained professionals. Serious complications are uncommon.

Q5. Will NFL players stop using dry needling?
A. Unlikely. Most players continue to trust the treatment despite Watt’s injury.

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