Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Steelers Star T.J. Watt Injured During Dry Needling
T.J. Watt, a famous football player, got hurt during a treatment called dry needling.
This treatment uses tiny needles to help with pain and movement.
T.J. had to go to the hospital and get surgery to fix his lung.
He was okay and went home the next day.
Dry needling is usually safe, but sometimes it can cause small problems like bruises or soreness.
It's very rare for it to cause a serious problem like a punctured lung.
T.J. didn't have any injuries before this happened.
The team didn't say much more about what went wrong.
T.J. Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling session on 10 December.
He underwent surgery the same day to repair and stabilize his lung and was discharged on 12 December.
Dry needling is a common treatment for muscle pain and strains, using thin needles to reduce pain and improve movement.
The Steelers have not provided detailed information about the incident, but it is a rare complication of dry needling.
Watt had no prior injuries listed on the team's practice or injury report this season.
- Who
- T.J. Watt, a star player for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- What
- Suffered a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling treatment
- When
- On Wednesday, 10 December
- Where
- At the team facility
- Why
- The exact cause is not specified, but it is a rare complication of dry needling
- Player
- T.J. Watt
- Injury
- Partially collapsed lung
- Treatment
- Dry needling
- Date of Incident
- 10 December
- Surgery Date
- 10 December
- Hospital Discharge
- 12 December
- Professionals Allowed
- Physical therapists, athletic trainers, acupuncturists, chiropractors, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners
- Common Adverse Reactions
- Minor bleeding, localized bruising, pain or residual soreness