Dry Needling Vs Acupuncture

What distinguishes the two? I'm a big fan of both, but why does one person prefer Dry Needling while another is attracted to Acupuncture?

What exactly is dry needling?

In essence, it involves using acupuncture needles to effect changes in soft tissues, such as muscles or tendons. Dry needling is utilized to activate a potent healing response known as the "chemical soup," which is a comprehensive method believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and trigger point release effects that often alleviate pain.

During the initial research on dry needling, subjects were injected with a saline solution, which was reported to be quite unpleasant. Researchers later discovered that injections weren't needed. Why? The insertion of metal into the body triggers a healing response. It prompts the brain to release pain-relieving chemicals, initiates an immune response that reduces inflammation, and creates a physical pumping action that enhances blood flow around the needle. This increased blood flow is crucial for addressing trigger points, which are believed to have poor circulation and cause pain and spasms in large muscle areas.

Dry needling is definitely my preferred method for addressing any random aches and pains. It provides fast relief and specifically targets the area I need, minimizing my recovery time.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture practitioners, who specialize in Chinese medicine, focus on treating local body aches and pains while also taking into account the entire meridian system of the body. Acupuncture is one technique they employ to help restore balance. This approach does not imply that a specific issue, such as tennis elbow, will be overlooked; the elbow will still be treated directly.

Many individuals I speak with turn to Chinese Medicine for Acupuncture when facing a chronic health issue or seeking an alternative perspective on their pain.

Dry needling, used in Myotherapy, is highly popular and attracts a diverse audience. This includes those who are apprehensive about needles but appreciate their effectiveness when other treatments have failed, as well as those who enjoy the feeling of points being stimulated using more vigorous methods like the localized twitch technique.

Do Myotherapist use Moxa? No, not unless they are Acupuncturists.

Do Myotherapist use electrostimulation? yes sometimes if needed and tolerated.

Can acupuncture needles be used everywhere? No, but a trained professional understands where they can be applied and how deep they should go.

Is it possible to perform dry needling on myself at home? Generally, no, as it requires training. However, there are press-on needles designed for home use that can be beneficial. Your Myotherapist or Acupuncturist can provide these for home care.

Can I receive acupuncture from professionals other than a Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner? Yes, here are some others who might have training in acupuncture:

General Practitioners

Medical Acupuncturists

Are there other practitioners trained in Dry Needling? Yes, here's a list.

Remedial Massage therapists can enroll in stand-alone courses.

Most Physiotherapists

Some Osteopaths

I find it wonderful how widely acupuncture needles are now used to treat aches and pains. I hope this clarifies any questions you had about the differences between the two.