The NFL world has been shaken by a serious medical incident involving one of its biggest stars. T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, has been sidelined indefinitely after sustaining a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling session. This alarming event, which occurred recently and required surgery, has thrown a harsh spotlight on a common treatment used widely across the league for pain relief and muscle recovery.
What is Dry Needling and Why Do Players Use It?
Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists and acupuncturists. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific 'trigger points' within muscles – areas known for tightness or tenderness. The Cleveland Clinic explains that the goal is to alleviate pain and improve movement by increasing blood flow and stimulating the body's natural release of pain-relieving endorphins. It is called 'dry' because, unlike an injection, no medication is delivered through the needle.
For athletes enduring the brutal physical demands of professional American football, the treatment has become a staple. Players describe it as a targeted method to release muscle tension and fascia that standard massage or stretching cannot reach.
Players Weigh Risks Against Rewards
Despite the severe setback suffered by Watt, numerous NFL players have stated they will continue to use the procedure, accepting the inherent dangers as part of their rigorous maintenance regime.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride said he undergoes dry needling frequently and has never had a similar issue. "But with every treatment, everything that you get done, I mean, there’s risk to everything," he acknowledged.
Other players echoed this calculated approach. Chicago Bears centre Drew Dalman, who has the treatment up to ten times a year, described its systemic benefits. New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke praised its efficacy in releasing tight muscles and fascia. For larger athletes like Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman John Jenkins, weekly sessions on his lower extremities are crucial to manage muscle tension.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton, aware of Watt's plight, maintained trust in medical professionals, philosophically noting that "sometimes just stuff happens."
A Note of Caution and Varied Techniques
Not all players are entirely comfortable, however. Washington Commanders guard Sam Cosmi, a user since college, described the sensation as a "bite" and only submits to it when necessary. He, along with Tennessee Titans centre Lloyd Cushenberry and Commanders receiver Jaylin Lane, are particular about limiting treatment to lower-body areas, avoiding the torso entirely after Watt's injury made Lane feel "nervous."
The practice itself is not uniformly regulated. Techniques vary from superficial to deep muscle penetration, and even a rapid 'pistoning' method. The Cleveland Clinic notes dry needling is approved in 37 US states and Washington, D.C., but training standards differ significantly. Pennsylvania, where Watt's injury occurred, has no explicit legal stance on the procedure.
The incident involving T.J. Watt stands as a stark reminder of the potential complications in sports medicine. Yet, for countless NFL players battling constant pain, dry needling remains a valued, if carefully considered, tool. Its continued use highlights the difficult balance athletes strike between the proven benefits for performance and recovery and the ever-present, now vividly demonstrated, risks.
