What is the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

Dry Needling is a not the same as acupuncture, although there are similarities between the two techniques. The main difference between Dry Needling and acupuncture is the theory behind why the techniques work. Dry Needling is primarily focused on the reduction of pain and restoration of function through the release of myofascial trigger points in muscle. In comparison, acupuncture focuses on the treatment of medical conditions by restoring the flow of energy (Qi) through key points in the body (meridians) to restore balance.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of medical treatment that’s been used for hundreds even thousands of years. Acupuncture originated in Asian medical practices. That’s why many licensure and oversight boards use the term “Oriental Medicine” to classify acupuncture.
Acupuncture is practiced by tens of thousands of licensed acupuncturists. Expert acupuncturists train for three to four years. The training includes both instruction in the use of needles and instruction in diagnosing conditions. Practitioners have direct supervision from another senior or expert practitioner.
In addition to this training, acupuncturists must undergo testing from a national board of examiners and continue to take instructional courses each year to maintain their license.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

The fundamental belief of acupuncture is that illness is the result of blocked or interrupted chi. Chi provides your body with healing energy. Acupuncture seeks to remove these blockages and return your energy flow to a state of balance.
Acupuncture is used to treats hundreds of conditions and symptoms, including:

• pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• menstrual cramps
• allergies

Low back pain

A 2015 review of studies found that acupuncture could provide short-term relief from low back pain. This is true if acupuncture is used alone or with other treatments, such as medications or physical therapy.

Neck pain

Acupuncture can significantly reduce neck pain, according to one 2015 study. When acupuncture is used with other techniques to ease neck strain and reduce muscle tension, the symptom relief was significant when compared with traditional care.

Knee pain

Pain caused by osteoarthritis in the knee is a leading cause of disability among adults. A 2010 review found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for knee pain and physical symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Migraines and headaches

A 2012 review of migraine studies found that acupuncture was at least as effective at easing migraine symptoms as other treatments, including medication. It also has some benefits over those classic treatments, including longer lasting effects, lower medication use, and fewer serious complications or side effects. Additionally, research suggests that regular acupuncture treatments may help people with a history of migraines prevent future episodes.

Labor pains

Researchers are mixed on the use of acupuncture to reduce labor pains during childbirth. Some studies show a statistically significant reduction in pain experience. Others point out that acupuncture’s effectiveness during labor is difficult to measure. Still, acupuncture remains an area of interest for many mothers looking for medication-free options.

Smoking cessation

Acupuncture is sometimes used for the treatment of conditions other than physical pain. Research has yet to establish acupuncture as an effective smoking cessation therapy. When compared with nicotine replacement therapy, acupuncture was less effective. However, though more research is needed, acupuncture shouldn’t be firmly ruled out as a potential therapy for quitting smoking.

Depression

One study looked at the use of acupuncture and antidepressant medication to ease signs of depression. It suggests that medication and acupuncture together may be effective. It’s also well tolerated and presents few complications. But a review of studies could not declare acupuncture as a reliable treatment for depression. The author concluded the findings were enough to justify additional research. Overall, the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as effective in treating hundreds of diseases and symptoms.

The Three Top Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy

Relieve Pain and Muscle Tightness

What makes dry needling an effective way to reduce pain in specific areas of the body is that it targets trigger points. Let’s say you’re suffering from shoulder or neck pain, the therapist will insert needles into detected trigger points. The needles will release tension, inflammation, chemicals, and pressure in the muscles that has caused the pain. The results will lead to an improved range of motion and immediate pain relief.

Improved Range of Motion

Similar to how dry needling relieves tension and pressure in trigger points, this process helps improve overall movement of an injury. If you’re an athlete who is constantly on the move, having fluid movement and having a full range of motion is key to your success. Let’s use the shoulder again as an example. if you’re a baseball player, having a full range of motion in your shoulder is important when successfully throwing a baseball. By constantly throwing a baseball, you put a lot of stress on your shoulder and it’s important to relax your muscles and reduce tightness. Dry needling can help reduce this pain and improve overall function of your shoulder so you won’t feel constant discomfort in your shoulder or another injury.

Speeds Up Recovery

Anytime you suffer an injury, the worst and longest part is the recovery process. Yes, some injuries require longer recovery periods than other but regardless, we’re all anxious to get back to full strength. With dry needling, patients have experienced quicker pain relief and improved range of motion. This is one of the best benefits of dry needling therapy as it speeds up the healing process compared to other treatment options.