Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

While both dry needling and acupuncture involve the insertion of thin needles into the skin, their philosophies and goals are distinct. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice aimed at promoting overall wellness and balance in the body’s energy flow or “chi.” On the other hand, dry needling, a Western medicine technique, focuses on relieving muscle tension and pain by targeting specific trigger points in the muscles.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

Dry needling works by targeting myofascial trigger points, which are tight knots within a muscle that can cause pain over a large area. When the needle is inserted into these points, it can help relieve muscle tension, promote healing, and improve muscular function. This is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the area and by disrupting dysfunctional neuromuscular activity.