Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

A question I hear all the time: What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Dry needling is orthopedic acupuncture.

Many people think of meridian based acupuncture when they think of acupuncture. However, there are many types and techniques of acupuncture depending on the specialty and training of the acupuncturist. Most orthopedically trained acupuncturists perform dry needling. Both modalities use the same types of acupuncture needles. Dry needling is a type of trigger point release using an acupuncture needle.

Some differences between meridian based acupuncture and dry needling are the size of the needles and intended outcome and what we are treating. For example, if someone comes in with rotator cuff tendonitis, we are going to target some of the muscles in the rotator cuff. However, many of these common muscle trigger point locations are actually acupuncture points. In a sports medicine context, our goal with needling these muscles will typically be to release the trigger point to improve the function of the muscle versus stimulate the neuro-muscular tissue around the acupuncture point for an internal medicine imbalance.

This is a primary distinction between dry needling and meridian based acupuncture: the needling technique.

Often a thicker needle diameter will be used when a dry needling technique is needed compared to meridian based acupuncture.

We can achieve fast and lasting results with dry needling which results in pain reduction, the muscle returning to a healthier functional state and better performance.

I often hear the question, “but doesn’t dry needling hurt a lot?”

The short answer is it can hurt some, but it doesn’t have to.

A better description is that there might be some temporary discomfort in exchange for lasting relief. This goes back to the practitioner and their training and technique.

It is very important to me that my patients are always comfortable. I will communicate to you what I will be doing and ask for your feedback because if you are in a stressed or apprehensive state, this interferes with the purpose of receiving treatment. I have worked with a variety of patients. Some prefer a more active, stimulating approach to needling, and some do better with a more gentle, slow approach. Our communication is important to guide your treatment.

As a licensed acupuncturist and sports medicine specialist, I have extensive training in acupuncture orthopedics and dry needling where I often include electro-acupuncture, neuro-acupuncture and other orthopedic techniques. My goal is to help you recover faster from injuries, avoid more serious complications or surgery, and to improve your athletic performance by preventing injuries and helping your body perform the best it can.