Dry Needling Vs. Acupuncture

Written By Lizzie Kieffer

“Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?”

No. The only similarity between dry needling and acupuncture is that we use the same kind of needles for both treatment options. While both options can be used for pain relief or discomfort, they both have very different schools of thought. Dry Needling was developed in the 1980’s and is based on western medicine. It focuses on trigger point referral patterns and anatomical structures of the body. Acupuncture is an eastern medicine technique that has been around for a long time and is focused on meridian lines and energy flows.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is a technique that uses thin monofilament needles to directly address tissue dysfunctions and trigger point relief. A trigger point is a local contracture within a muscle band that, when active, can cause localized pain, range of motion deficits, and referral pain to other sites of the body. The needles are inserted directly into these trigger points which help to alleviate them and thus improve pain symptoms, range of motion deficits and referral pain.

 

Is Dry Needling safe?

Dry needling is a very safe technique that is minimally invasive and has minimal discomfort as well. Possible side effects are mild muscle soreness, bruising, and autonomic responses during the session (i.e. sweating). Cautionary conditions for dry needling would include: pregnancy, blood thinning medication, and autoimmune conditions.

 

What conditions can be treated by Dry Needling?

  • Muscular Pain

  • Joint Pain

  • Migraines/Headaches

  • Concussions

  • Whiplash

  • Tendinitis

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Range of Motion deficits

  • Nerve Entrapment

  • And many more!

Each state has their own rules on dry needling. In Kansas, Physical Therapists are able to perform dry needling once they are certified. It’s important to get a full assessment of your injury or complaint prior to performing dry needling so that there is a full picture of what areas would be most beneficial for it. Dry needling is a very effective tool and some clients will get relief immediately!

Lizzie Kieffer
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