What's the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupunture?

Both dry needling and acupuncture involve the use of needles, but they come from vastly different backgrounds, have different goals, and are grounded in very different philosophies of treatment. Although some people may confuse the two, understanding the distinct differences between these practices is crucial to choosing the right therapy for your needs.

In this post, we’ll explore what sets dry needling and acupuncture apart, with a focus on how dry needling is a research-backed technique with clear clinical results, while acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that, despite its long history, lacks the scientific support dry needling has. However, that doesn’t mean acupuncture doesn’t work for some people, and it’s important to note that neither dry needling nor acupuncture is guaranteed to work for everyone.

Dry needling is a relatively recent development in Western medicine. The technique was created by physical therapists and other healthcare providers to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It is based on modern scientific understanding of anatomy, neurophysiology, and pain pathways. Dry needling specifically targets muscle trigger points—hyperirritable spots within taut bands of muscle fibers that can cause pain and tension throughout the body.

On the other hand, acupuncture has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine, dating back thousands of years. Acupuncture is based on the theory of qi (pronounced "chee"), or life energy, which is believed to flow through pathways in the body called meridians. According to traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances or blockages in this flow of qi can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points along these meridians to restore balance and promote healing.

Dry Needling: The primary goal of dry needling is to relieve pain, reduce muscle tightness, and improve range of motion by targeting trigger points. These are small, tender areas in muscles that can refer pain to other parts of the body. Dry needling aims to release or deactivate these trigger points to promote muscle relaxation and recovery.

During a dry needling session, a physical therapist or other qualified healthcare provider inserts thin, sterile needles into the skin and muscle at the trigger point. The insertion of the needle often causes what is known as a “twitch response,” where the muscle quickly contracts and then relaxes. This response is thought to help break the cycle of muscle pain and tension.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture takes a more holistic approach. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the flow of qi through the body’s meridians and achieve balance between the body's yin and yang forces. While acupuncture is commonly used to treat pain, it is also used for a variety of other conditions, including digestive issues, stress, and anxiety, as well as to promote general wellness.

During an acupuncture session, a trained acupuncturist inserts thin, sterile needles into specific points along the body’s meridians. The number of needles used and the depth of insertion can vary depending on the individual’s condition and the acupuncturist’s diagnosis. Acupuncture is typically more passive than dry needling, as it doesn’t seek to provoke a muscle twitch or direct response from the muscle tissue.

One of the main distinctions between dry needling and acupuncture is the level of scientific support for each.

Dry needling is a modern technique developed through research in anatomy, neurology, and pain science. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal pain, particularly for conditions like chronic low back pain, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome. Research has shown that dry needling can help reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and decrease pain levels. Additionally, dry needling is often incorporated into physical therapy treatment plans, which further supports its credibility within the medical community.

However, dry needling is not a cure-all. While many patients report significant relief, others may find that the technique doesn’t provide the results they were hoping for. Pain is complex and multifactorial, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to approach dry needling as one part of a broader treatment plan, and to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate for your condition.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, has been used for thousands of years, but it lacks the same level of rigorous scientific backing that dry needling has. While there have been some studies suggesting that acupuncture can be effective for certain conditions—such as chronic pain, nausea, and migraines—many of these studies are criticized for poor design, lack of controls, and placebo effects. The mechanisms by which acupuncture might work, if it does, are still unclear, and traditional explanations involving qi and meridians don’t hold up to modern scientific scrutiny.

That being said, many people swear by acupuncture, and there is no denying that it has helped countless individuals with pain, stress, and other conditions. Whether it’s through the placebo effect or some yet-to-be-understood mechanism, acupuncture has been shown to have positive effects for some people, even if those effects can’t be fully explained by science.

Dry Needling: The research behind dry needling suggests that it can be particularly effective in relieving pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Studies have shown that dry needling can help reduce the sensitivity of trigger points, improve muscle function, and decrease pain intensity in patients with chronic pain or injury. It’s commonly used to treat:

Myofascial pain syndrome

Neck pain

Shoulder impingement

Tension headaches

Tennis elbow

Low back pain

Acupuncture: Acupuncture’s efficacy is harder to measure. While some research has suggested that acupuncture can help with chronic pain, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis, back pain, and migraines, the overall scientific consensus is still inconclusive. Many studies have found that the results of acupuncture are similar to placebo effects, and the specific mechanisms of action remain elusive.

Despite the lack of robust clinical evidence, acupuncture has been a popular alternative therapy for centuries. Many people report feeling more relaxed, less stressed, and more in tune with their bodies after acupuncture sessions. It’s possible that the therapeutic effects of acupuncture come from the act of receiving care and attention, rather than from the needles themselves.

Dry Needling: If you are dealing with muscle pain, tightness, or trigger points and are looking for a treatment that is grounded in modern medical science, dry needling may be a good option. It’s particularly effective for individuals with sports injuries, chronic pain, or muscle dysfunction. Dry needling is typically performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, or physicians who are trained in the technique, so it’s important to seek treatment from a licensed professional.

Acupuncture: If you are interested in a more holistic approach and are open to traditional forms of medicine, acupuncture might be worth exploring. Many people turn to acupuncture for conditions like stress, anxiety, digestive issues, or general wellness, as well as for pain relief. Acupuncture is typically performed by trained acupuncturists who have studied Chinese medicine and understand the intricacies of the body’s meridians and qi flow.

In the end, both dry needling and acupuncture have their place in the world of health and wellness. Dry needling is a scientifically backed technique that has demonstrated clear clinical results for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Acupuncture, while less grounded in modern science, has been used for thousands of years and may offer benefits for those who believe in or are open to traditional forms of medicine.

At Tucson Sports Recovery, we perform dry needling. All of our needling sessions are performed with YOUR goals in mind. We create a treatment plan with you and monitor your progress!

Give us a call to explore our dry nedling options to reduce pain and perform better!