What is the Difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an acupuncture technique that involves inserting thin, solid, single use (acupuncture) needles into specific trigger points or tight bands of muscle to relieve myofascial pain, improve movement, and restore muscle function. It targets muscle knots, known as trigger points, or areas of tension, stimulating a healing response and promoting muscles to return to a healthier more functional state.
While some therapists may describe Dry Needling as a different modality than acupuncture, this is incorrect. Acupuncture and Dry Needling are actually the same. However, it is more specifically stated that Dry Needling is an acupuncture technique, a technique historically known as trigger point acupuncture which falls in the specialty of orthopedic acupuncture and has been around for as long has acupuncture has been in use (~2500 years). There are many acupuncture techniques depending on the desired outcome for the patient’s rehabilitation.
Who can perform dry needling?
In most states in the US, physical therapists and chiropractors can become certified in dry needling and offer this as an added modality in their clinics. A licensed acupuncturist is also qualified to perform dry needling and may also obtain the additional certification.
The training acupuncturists receive, which requires 4 years of academic and clinical training, far exceeds the training other practitioners receive for dry needling certification, which may be 2 or 3 weekend courses, depending on the state requirements and commonly with no requirement for supervised clinical training. Acupuncturists are the needle specialists. We begin training with needles in our hands in the first semester of our 4 year programs in addition to the required 350 acupuncture patient treatments given in our clinical internships. Fine motor and palpation skills along with a kinesthetic learning of tissue densities and how they respond to needles takes years to become adept in, not weeks.
Why go to a Sports Acupuncturist?
As an orthopedic (sports) acupuncturist, I incorporate techniques such as trigger point acupuncture- aka dry needling; orthopedic acupuncture, which includes ligamentous, joint capsule and tendon needling; Neuropuncture, an evidence-based neurophysiological acupuncture system; electro-acupuncture, cupping and gua sha (aka scrapping or Graston technique).
I have spent the majority of my continued education hours studying orthopedic acupuncture, Neuropuncture and am certified in Dry Needling so that I can offer my patients effective, evidenced-based anatomical and neurophysiological acupuncture treatments for their rehabilitation.
Integrated Approach to Pain Relief
For athletes seeking pain relief and enhanced performance, trigger point acupuncture - aka dry needling - can be combined with other acupuncture techniques like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Neuropuncture, cupping, and Gua Sha to provide a well-rounded, effective treatment. By using an orthopedic assessment, we can identify the root cause of your pain or injury and tailor a personalized approach to address your specific needs. This integrative method not only helps reduce pain but also improves muscle recovery, allowing athletes to perform at their best and prevent future injuries.
Conditions Treated with Orthopedic Acupuncture
Joint Pain, Tendonitis, Acute Injuries, Muscle Sprains
Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia
Neck and Back Pain
Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Temporal-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction - TMJ
Headaches or Migraines
Numbness, Tingling or Nerve Entrapment
Hip Pain, Piriformis Syndrome, Gluteal Tendinopathies
SI Joint Pain
Sciatica
Runner’s Knee
IT Band Syndrome
Achille’s Tendonitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Neuromas
Neuropathy
Shingles, Rashes
Poor Healing Wounds