Dry Needling VS Acupuncture

By Dr Cole Muller – CC’s Staff

Dry Needling VS Acupuncture

Dry needling vs acupuncture, what’s the difference? Well, as I reflect on the course of my nine year career, my favorite tool as a physical therapist is dry needling. A month after starting my career in physical therapy, I hesitantly agreed to take a dry needling course in Wyoming when my new coworkers pushed me to do so. What I didn’t know at the time is that it would make a major impact on the care I would provide for so many people and continues to do so today! One of the most common questions I receive regarding dry needling is “what are the differences between dry needling and acupuncture?”. I have always entertained the question due to the similarities in how the treatments look as they both involve inserting needles into the body. However, there are stark differences in the history, purpose, and goals of treatment.

Dry needling is a treatment based on Western medicine in which a fine needle targets the soft tissue, typically myofascial trigger points (hyperirritable spots in muscle) with the purpose of reducing muscle tension, decreasing pain, and activating muscles. This was first proposed by medical doctors Janet Travell and David Simons in the early 1940’s. It was later introduced to the United States in 1997 by Jan Dommerholt, PT, DPT, MPS whom I was lucky enough to meet and test under for my certified myofascial trigger point therapist (CMTPT) designation in 2017. In our clinic, we most often use dry needling to treat muscle trigger points to reduce muscle tension, lessen pain, and improve muscle activation. Dry needling has a distinct “needling effect” that differs from injecting a substance (“wet” needling). Numerous medical studies have found no difference between injections of different substances and dry needling in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice in which a fine needle targets the soft tissue to treat a wider range of conditions from pain and nausea to allergies and mood disorders. It has roots tracing back three thousand years and was later introduced in North America in the 16-19th century. Acupuncture aims at restoring the flow of energy, known as Qi, along pathways known as meridians. It also works to stimulate nerves to the skin and muscles while creating chemical changes in the brain. Acupuncture is believed to initiate the healing process of the body. However, more research is needed to fully understand it’s effectiveness.  

Overall, dry needling and acupuncture are effective tools utilized throughout the world. While there are major differences in the origin and purpose of each treatment, both utilize a fine needle to treat pain and have a variety of theories behind their use. Each are considered to be a low risk procedure when completed by a trained professional. Consult with your physical therapist to see if dry needling is appropriate for you and your concerns!

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