When it comes to pain-relieving and healing therapies, dry needling and acupuncture are two practices that stand out. These techniques share a common thread—both involve the insertion of fine needles into the body—but they differ significantly in their approaches, treatment goals, and underlying philosophies¹. So, let’s explore the key differences between these two treatments so you have a clearer understanding of which approach aligns better with your unique health needs.
1. Needling Technique
The most noticeable difference between dry needling and acupuncture lies in their needling techniques. In acupuncture, trained practitioners insert fine needles into specific points on the skin, known as acupuncture points or meridians. The depth of the insertion varies depending on the condition being treated, and these needles are often left in place for several minutes. This practice aims to balance the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be the vital energy that flows through the body in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In contrast, dry needling focuses on targeting trigger points within muscles and connective tissues. Trained therapists specialising in physiotherapy rehabilitation insert needles directly into these trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, the needles in dry needling are typically left in place for a shorter duration, often ranging from seconds to a few minutes. The goal of dry needling is to release muscle tension and promote muscle function.
2. Treatment Goals
Acupuncture is a holistic therapy used to address a wide range of conditions, including pain, digestive disorders, mental health conditions, and more. The fundamental aim of acupuncture is to restore the balance of Qi within the body, thereby promoting overall health and well-being. Practitioners often view the body as a comprehensive interconnected system and may treat various symptoms simultaneously.
Dry needling is a specialised technique within physiotherapy, addressing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction as part of a holistic approach to restoring balance to the entire body. This method works in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments that view the body comprehensively. Like acupuncture, dry needling is just one component of a broader strategy to promote overall health and well-being. Physiotherapists incorporate it alongside other methods to address muscle-related issues, such as:
- Muscle Knots: Dry needling is highly effective at targeting and releasing painful muscle knots, also known as myofascial trigger points. These knots can lead to localised pain and restricted movement.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes often turn to dry needling to address muscle strains, sprains, and injuries stemming from overuse. The technique can help speed up the recovery process and restore optimal muscle function.
- Chronic Pain Conditions: Individuals suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome, characterised by widespread muscle pain and discomfort, can benefit from dry needling as it directly addresses muscular issues contributing to the pain.
- Postural Problems: Individuals with postural imbalances or poor ergonomic habits may experience chronic muscle tension and pain. Back pain therapy such as dry needling can help relieve this tension and encourage better posture.
- Pain from Overuse: Individuals engaged in occupations or activities that involve repetitive motions, such as typing or lifting, may develop muscle-related pain. Dry needling can provide relief and prevent further strain.
- Localised Muscle Pain: Whether it’s due to a recent injury or prolonged muscle tension, dry needling can be effective for individuals experiencing specific areas of localised muscle pain, such as in the neck, shoulders, or lower back.
3. Diagnosis
Since acupuncture is a type of TCM therapy, practitioners utilise a range of techniques deeply rooted in TCM principles, such as pulse reading, tongue examination, and a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s overall health to determine the imbalance of Qi in the body. This diagnostic process takes into account the interconnectedness of various bodily systems.
Conversely, dry needling diagnosis is firmly grounded in Western medicine. Professional therapists conduct assessments based on anatomical and physiological principles. They identify trigger points, muscle imbalances, and areas of tension through physical examination and the patient’s medical history. This approach enables precise and localised treatment interventions, offering immediate relief for short-term pain while simultaneously working to restore harmony and balance to the entire body.
4. Needling Sensation
Acupuncture aims to achieve a sensation known as “de qi.” This sensation can vary from person to person but often includes feelings of pressure, warmth, tingling, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point. In TCM, the de qi sensation is considered a sign that the Qi is being stimulated and balanced.
Dry needling involves needles that are inserted into trigger points, patients may often feel a dull ache or a twitch response in the affected muscle. This sensation is indicative of the needle reaching the targeted area of muscle tension.
While acupuncture seeks to balance Qi and address a wide range of ailments, dry needling takes a more focused approach², targeting muscle-related issues to alleviate pain short term and eventually enhance muscle function. Ultimately, the choice between dry needling and acupuncture should be based on individual health needs and personal preferences.
If you’ve been experiencing muscle-related pain or discomfort, consider visiting The Movement Laboratory. Our team of skilled physiotherapists is dedicated to helping you regain your strength, mobility, and quality of life. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to optimise your physical performance, we offer a range of specialised treatments tailored to your individual needs. Don’t let discomfort or limitations hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and embark on your journey to a healthier, pain-free life.
References
- Fan, A.Y., Xu, J. & Li, Ym. Evidence and expert opinions: Dry needling versus acupuncture (II). Chin. J. Integr. Med. 23, 83–90 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-017-2800-6
- Barber, J., Lodo, F., Nugent-Head, A., & Zeng, X. (2023). Comparative Techniques of Acupuncture and Dry Needling Intersecting with Trigger Point Physiology and Diagnostics: A Cross-Discipline Narrative Review. Medical Acupuncture, 35(5), 220-229. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2023.0031
