Quick Summary:

Dry needling, found in Western medicine, targets myofascial trigger points to decrease muscle pain and enhance mobility, using manipulation principles. Acupuncture, based on traditional Chinese medicine, aims to restore energy flow and balance by stimulating specific meridian lines associated with body organs, addressing a wider range of conditions beyond muscular issues.

I suggest dry needling deal with stiff or tight muscles, tension headaches, sinus pain, fibromyalgia pain or sporting injuries such as torn or strained muscles. If you are looking for treatment for a certain medical condition acupuncture is the way to go.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the difference? 

In physiotherapy circles, we refer to dry needling as a type of acupuncture. However, there are important differences between dry needling and acupuncture to be aware of.

Dry needling and acupuncture both involve the therapeutic use of needles to relieve discomfort, but the similarities stop there. 

Understanding the difference between dry needling and acupuncture is important for determining when to use each treatment. 

In this guide to the differences between dry needling and acupuncture, I’ll cover the history, use, benefits, and application of each of these popular treatments. 

What Is Dry Needling? 

Dry needling is a treatment modality used by physiotherapists that aims to reduce muscular pain and discomfort and treat musculoskeletal conditions. 

Dry needling is considered a minimally invasive procedure and can be used to complement conventional therapies. 

This natural pain relief method involves the placement of fine needles into myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the muscles. By stimulating these areas with pressure, dry needling can release tension from these trigger points, offering a variety of benefits. 

Potential benefits of dry needling include: 

  • May provide relief for muscular pain and stiffness. 
  • May improve flexibility and range of motion by easing trigger points
  • May be useful for treating fibromyalgia pain 
  • May be useful in treating certain sports injuries 
  • May increase functional movement
  • May restore tissue mobility
  • May offer sinus pain relief
  • May relieve tension headaches
  • May improve blood circulation

What Is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a practice focused on releasing blocked energy within the body. Based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture centres around the belief that illness is the result of interrupted or blocked qi in the body. When these blockages are removed and healing energy is released, the body can be returned to a state of balance. 

Acupuncture is used in an effort to reduce: 

  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Headaches
  • Allergies
  • Nausea 
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Knee pain
  • Digestive issues
  • Insomnia 

The Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture

So is dry needling considered acupuncture?

Physiotherapists refer to dry needling as a form of acupuncture, but they are technically two separate treatment methods with a variety of differences. 

While dry needling and acupuncture both involve the insertion of thin stainless steel needles into strategic areas of the body, here is a look at the differences between dry needling and acupuncture. 

Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture #1: Principles

Dry needling is based on neurophysiological principles and human anatomy. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. 

Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture #2: Timeline

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese medicine practices. Dry needling is a fairly new treatment with roots in Western medicine. 

Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture #3: Usage

Acupuncture is used for a wide range of treatment purposes, with a primary focus on reducing discomfort and muscle pain. Acupuncture is used to help reduce pain and a range of internal conditions. 

The Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture #4: Penetration Points

Dry needling is done by penetrating the skin near strategic trigger points to elicit a healing response and release tension. These trigger points are located in the muscles. 

Acupuncture targets areas of the body along the meridian lines. These areas are believed to represent the organs. By targeting these areas, acupuncture aims to restore proper energy flow and balance to the body. 

The Best Time To Get Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture 

I recommend dry needling if you want to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle tension. Dry needling can also be an excellent treatment to add to a rehabilitative regime. 

Much of it comes down to personal preference and what ailments you are trying to address. If you have muscles that are frequently stiff or sore and want a natural way to relieve muscle pain, dry needling might be a great choice for you. 

If you are curious about dry needling and if it would be a beneficial treatment for you, I encourage you to book with one of our expert physiotherapists. We can go over any of your questions, discuss more of the benefits of dry needling, and see if it would be a good fit for you. 

Do I need dry needling or acupuncture? My recommendation

I recommend dry needling if you frequently deal with stiff muscles, tension headaches, sinus pain, or fibromyalgia pain.

Not sure if you’d benefit from dry needling or acupuncture? I suggest you to get in touch with our caring team of dedicated expert physiotherapists to find out more. 

Our team specialises in dry needling and is trained in the latest dry needling techniques. We can determine the treatment or combination of treatments that will offer you the most effective, quickest pain relief. 

Click here to book your appointment now! 

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