Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: The Ultimate Guide

RMADN - Dec 22, 2022

<p>Although it may seem absurd to stick needles into your skin, many individuals who have severe diseases and injuries rely on needles as a complementary treatment to help them feel better.</p>

<p>Well-known techniques that involve piercing the skin with fine, steel needles for treatment purposes include dry needling and acupuncture. While both therapies promise to reduce pain, there are distinct differences between them that set them apart from one another.</p>

<p>Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat pain, discomfort, and other problems by allowing your chi, or life force, to flow freely; dry needling, on the other hand, is used to activate trigger points or tense muscles. In order to produce endorphins and have an impact on your neurological system, acupuncturists put needles into your skin, whereas dry-needling therapists work to relieve tension in your muscles by applying pressure to certain pressure spots and knots.</p>

<p>It can be hard to control your pain, especially if you don't understand its underlying causes. Let's compare acupuncture vs dry needling more closely to determine which form of therapy is best for you.</p>

<h2><a id="What-Is-Dry-Needling?" name="What-Is-Dry-Needling?"><strong>What Is Dry Needling?</strong></a></h2>

<p>This cutting-edge therapy includes putting multiple filiform needles into your muscles' trigger points, knots, or tense spots. The needles, according to dry-needling experts, assist in loosening the knot and soothe any muscular tightness or spasms. Since the dry needles utilized in this procedure don't contain any liquid, your body doesn't receive any injections.</p>

<p>Usually, sports and physical injury therapists use dry needling. The most popular method entails keeping the needle in the skin for about ten to thirty minutes. Other methods used by it are as follows.</p>

<h3><a id="Using-the-In-and-Out-Method" name="Using-the-In-and-Out-Method"><strong>Using the In-and-Out Method</strong></a></h3>

<p>This method, also known as sparrow pecking or pistoning, is placing the dry needles into a trigger point and immediately pulling it out. Contrary to the most popular method, the needles enter and exit your skin rapidly and don't linger there for too long.</p>

<h3><a id="The-Method-of-Non-Trigger-Spots" name="The-Method-of-Non-Trigger-Spots"><strong>The Method of "Non-Trigger Spots"</strong></a></h3>

<p>Rather than a trigger point or knot, needles are inserted in the areas nearby the painful location. The non-trigger points approach tries to address the central nervous system and is based on the theory that pain is a symptom of a larger nerve or muscle problem.</p>

<h2><a id="What-is-Acupuncture?" name="What-is-Acupuncture?"><strong>What is Acupuncture?</strong></a></h2>

<p>This method, which has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, has been utilized extensively for many years to treat a wide range of medical issues. Its core tenet is that when chi, or flow of energy, is released, the body may be cured.</p>

<p>This alternative therapy is administered by professionals who have undergone thorough training and licensing. It includes inserting needles at certain spots to stimulate the nerves and cause the release of endorphins, which are the brain's natural painkillers. This stimulation procedure aids in easing pain and tension in the muscles.</p>

<p>Each year, acupuncturists must complete continuing education classes to keep their licenses valid. To understand how to recognize symptoms, diagnose illnesses, and use the proper acupuncture procedures, aspirants to the profession should spend at least three years in training.</p>

<p>A cushioned table is used for acupuncture treatment while the patient is lying down, and it includes:</p>

<h3><a id="Inserting-Needles" name="Inserting-Needles"><strong>Inserting Needles</strong></a></h3>

<p>Usually, an acupuncturist will place five to twenty needles at key locations on your body. Very fine needles with minimal to no pain are used. However, you can experience a slight discomfort when a needle is inserted into the proper depth.</p>

<h3><a id="Manipulating-Needles" name="Manipulating-Needles"><strong>Manipulating Needles</strong></a></h3>

<p>Your therapist may gently rotate or reposition the needles after insertion for therapeutic purposes. The needles may occasionally be heated or subjected to brief electrical pulses for further manipulation.</p>

<h3><a id="Removing-Needles" name="Removing-Needles"><strong>Removing Needles</strong></a></h3>

<p>Your acupuncturists will often keep the needles in place while you lie motionless and unwind for 10 to 20 minutes. Usually, there is no pain experienced after removing needles.</p>

<h2><a id="The-Differences-Between-Dry-Needling-and-Acupuncture" name="The-Differences-Between-Dry-Needling-and-Acupuncture"><strong>The Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture</strong></a></h2>

<p>Thin needles are inserted into certain body areas during both acupuncture and dry needling, but that is the extent of their similarities. The difference between dry-needling acupuncture and traditional acupuncture is that in traditional acupuncture, needles are put into spots along the meridians. These lines, which stand in for the body's organs, were inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. The principles of balancing and restoring normal energy flow throughout the body are the foundation of acupuncture.</p>

<p>The needles are typically kept in the body during acupuncture for 15 to 30 minutes. The majority of the time, it is utilized to treat internal maladies including chronic pain, sleep issues, stress, and digestive issues.</p>

<p>Dry needle therapy is a relatively recent medical procedure based on contemporary Western medicine. During this treatment, which was created in the 1980s, needles are put into trigger points, which are painful bands of muscle found inside bigger muscles.</p>

<p>Injecting needles into trigger points causes a reaction that unlocks the trigger point and then returns the body to its natural state. In contrast to acupuncture, dry needling treats both acute and chronic pain without the need for drugs, surgery, or other traditional medical interventions.</p>

<h2><a id="Which-One-is-More-Suited-for-You?" name="Which-One-is-More-Suited-for-You?"><strong>Which One is More Suited for You?</strong></a></h2>

<p>Although dry-needling and acupuncture may appear to be the same, they are indeed quite different procedures. Both methods have the data to support them and may be used to treat a variety of health problems. </p>

<p>The answer to which one is better for you primarily depends on your preferences and your body’s condition. The treatment you choose will ultimately depend on the problems you want to address so you should consult your physical therapist to determine which treatment would be the best option for you! </p>

<p>Contact RMADN today to find out which treatment is more suited for you. </p>

<h2><a id="Frequently-Asked-Questions" name="Frequently-Asked-Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></a></h2>

<h3><a id="Are-Dry-Needling-and-Acupuncture-the-Same?" name="Are-Dry-Needling-and-Acupuncture-the-Same?"><strong>Are Dry Needling and Acupuncture the Same?</strong></a></h3>

<p>No. Although the procedures may look the same since they both include the utilization of needles but ultimately dry needling and acupuncture are very different from each other. </p>

<h3><a id="Which-is-Better-Dry-Needling-or-Acupuncture?" name="Which-is-Better-Dry-Needling-or-Acupuncture?"><strong>Which is Better: Dry Needling or Acupuncture?</strong></a></h3>

<p>Now that you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of both acupuncture and dry needling, you may be wondering which is the best option for therapy. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference as well your physician’s recommendations.</p>

<p>Acupuncture is a practice that is well-regulated and supported by more conclusive research, on the one hand. Acupuncture might be more advantageous for you if you want a tried-and-true alternative therapeutic approach from a skilled professional.</p>

<p>On the contrary, data on the efficacy of dry needling is scarce because it is a more recent procedure and there are no official restrictions in place. However, dry needling could be worth a go if you're prepared to try something a little less well-known that gives promising outcomes.</p>

<h3><a id="Who-Should-Not-Get-Dry-Needling?" name="Who-Should-Not-Get-Dry-Needling?"><strong>Who Should Not Get Dry Needling?</strong></a></h3>

<p>People with untreated immune systems or blood coagulation issues should not undergo dry needling. Additionally, children under the age of 12 should not undergo dry needling, according to various Therapy Associations. If you have any worries, always consult your doctor or physical therapist.</p>

<h2><strong><a id="Conclusion" name="Conclusion">Conclusion</a> </strong></h2>

<p>So, what's the final word? Are dry needles superior to acupuncture?</p>

<p>Yes, in some instances. When treating muscle tension and pain, dry needling is frequently more efficient. For chronic diseases or discomfort that has persisted for a long period, acupuncture could be a better option. Prior to making a choice, it is crucial to get expert advice because both therapies have advantages and disadvantages.</p>

<p>Give us a call if you're interested in finding out if dry needling will help you with your particular pain management needs. RMADN would be pleased to talk about your particular condition and determine whether this course of therapy may help you live a better life.</p>

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