Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?

Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?

The answer to this common question is NO! Physical therapists and Acupuncturists use the same type of needle but the process and responses are much different.  The purpose of acupuncture is to alternate the “QI” along traditional Chinese meridians for the treatment of diseases.  Triggerpoint dry needling is a modern science-based intervention for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal problems such as tendinitis, tension headaches, shoulder impingement and neck/low back pain. With dry needling, the needle is inserted intramuscularly into the triggerpoint ( or painful knot in muscle). Acupuncture needles do not tend to go deep enough into the muscle.
It is termed “Dry” needling because there is no solution injected into the muscle. The needle alone is the treatment. When it is inserted into a triggerpoint it produces a local twitch response and initiates a biochemical process to help reduce pain and improve range of motion in a specific area.

Triggerpoints are typically tender to touch, and can cause local or referred pain to other parts of your body.  A triggerpoint in your hip can refer pain all the way down to your foot! 

Why do we get Triggerpoints?

Triggerpoints tend to be found in weak muscles, in an overworked muscle or due to faulty movement patterns. Your physical therapist will not only address the triggerpoint with dry needling but will prescribe specific exercises so they do not keep reoccurring. 

Dry needling has significantly helped to get patient feeling better faster and can have immediate changes in someone’s pain and mobility. However it is important to know that dry needling is just part of the equation to the problem. Your therapist at Restore will use other manual techniques and most importantly teach you how to address the root cause of the problem through specific exercises and activity modifications. 

Dry needling will help get you the results faster! Call us today today see if you are a candidate for dry needling!

What people say about Dry needling:
Mary C: I had dry needling done on my right hamstring and the pain was gone within hours. I was skeptical at first but I trusted Amanda knew that this treatment was in my best interest and she was right.

Cindy C: Worked wonders on my back! Could barely get out of my car heading to Amanda’s office and but had no problems moving after the dry needling session. Highly suggest this technique!