Most people have heard of acupuncture, a form of Chinese medicine. But the term “dry needling” often leaves them stumped. Today, we want to explore dry needling vs. acupuncture so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Dry needling and acupuncture are popular treatments for pain and injury recovery. Although they might seem similar–both involve needles—they have distinct origins and approaches.
Dry needling is a modern treatment developed by physiotherapists and one we offer here at Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is an ancient Chinese practice that uses needles to stimulate specific points in the body, promoting healing and balance.
Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your care. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, or just looking to improve your overall wellness, knowing the benefits of each method is essential.
Ready to learn more about dry needling vs. acupuncture? Keep reading!
The Similarities and Differences Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling
At first glance, acupuncture and dry needling may seem like the same thing. Both techniques involve inserting long, thin needles into specific parts of the body. Both help manage and reduce pain. However, the difference lies in the underlying philosophy guiding each practice.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. An acupuncturist chooses needle placement based on meridian points, pathways in the body that guide energy flow. Stimulating these points with needles is believed to balance energy and promote healing throughout the body.
In contrast, dry needling is based on Western scientific principles. A physiotherapist chooses needle placement based on the location of trigger points. By inserting thin needles directly into these points, dry needling helps release muscle tension and improve blood flow, reducing pain and facilitating the healing process.
But what exactly is a trigger point? (opens in a new tab) All the muscles in your body are wrapped in a tough, flexible tissue called myofascia. Trigger points are places where the myofascia has knotted up. They can be tender to the touch but can also cause referred pain throughout your body. For example, you might have a trigger point in your shoulder but feel pain in your neck.
Dry needling gets its name from the fact that the technique does not use medicinal injections to loosen up trigger points (that would be “wet needling,” more commonly referred to as trigger point injections). Instead, the needle alone works out the knot.
What To Expect During a Dry Needling Session at Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness
We’ll always begin with a comprehensive assessment to help us better understand your symptoms and conditions. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. We typically incorporate dry needling sessions alongside other physiotherapy interventions, such as therapeutic exercise.
During the session itself, we’ll help you get comfortable. Then, our physiotherapist will locate the specific trigger points causing your pain and gently insert thin, sterile needles into these points. You might feel a slight prick or mild discomfort. The needles will stay in place for a few minutes to allow the muscles to relax and the pain to diminish.
Dry needling can benefit several conditions, (opens in a new tab) including back and neck pain, overuse injuries and muscle strains, headaches, chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, and much more!
Find Pain Relief with Dry Needling
Understanding dry needling vs. acupuncture empowers you to make the best choices for your needs. At Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness, we offer comprehensive physiotherapy care, blending the pain management benefits of dry needling with several other effective treatments.
To learn more about how our Calgary, AB physiotherapists can help you manage or resolve painful musculoskeletal conditions, schedule an appointment today!
