What Is The Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

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I can’t tell you how many times a week I have a conversation with someone that starts like this…

“Have you ever had acupuncture?”

“No.  I have only ever had dry needling”

 I also get asked multiple times per week “What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling”.  As an acupuncturist, I found that I used to struggle with how to answer this as it is complex in many ways.  My hope is that the information below makes it easier to understand and helps to provide even a small amount of education to anyone that is interested in this modality of treatment. 

Acupuncture VS Dry Needling

Is dry needling and acupuncture the same thing?  Yes AND No.  Let me start by saying that what I have found is that recently the term dry needling indicates more about WHO is performing this style of needling as Chiropractors and Physical Therapists have been lobbying state by state to be approved to do “dry needling” as they can not say that they do acupuncture due to regulations around scope of practice.  As this is an important part of the conversation, I will address this more below. 

In terms of the treatment modality  itself, historically, dry needling IS acupuncture.  The practitioner is using acupuncture needles to treat trigger points, which acupuncturists have treated for thousands of years.  Acupuncturists have called these trigger points “ashi” points or local points.  Acupuncturists will use the terms dry needling, trigger points, “ashi” points, or local points interchangeably to indicate a style of acupuncture that they will incorporate into a treatment but it is often not the only style of acupuncture they will use.  At the same time, the term dry needling and acupuncture are completely different in many respects. The differences include the training required to do it, the understanding of the needle and its relationship with anatomy, the functions of the meridians, Qi and energy, the passion behind it, and the approach. 

While I often use trigger point acupuncture or dry needling into my treatments, I am also incorporating in other styles of acupuncture and treatment modalities.  This  includes manual therapy like cupping and gua sha, as well as acupuncture points that help to treat any other health conditions or underlying imbalances to optimize health, address any additional health concerns someone might be dealing with, improve athletic performance, recovery, and prevent injuries that someone might be prone to.  As an acupuncturist, I treat the WHOLE person every time they walk into the clinic. 

Acupuncture has gained wide acceptance for its effectiveness to treat many pain conditions and injuries.  When pain or an injury brings someone into the clinic they often don’t realize how many things acupuncture can treat and they don’t realize that we are Primary Care Providers.  I often have patients ask “can acupuncture help with…” and fill in the blank.  The answer is generally YES!  For example, in addition to treating your injury or pain, in the same treatment I can also do acupuncture for your allergies, digestive symptoms, struggles with sleep, anxiety and stress, as well as many other health concerns.  In Chinese Medicine, it is all connected and it is why I LOVE this medicine. 

Training and Approach

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 Dry needling is a term that has gotten a lot of attention and it has been adopted by Physical Therapists and Chiropractors to drive legislation that allows them to use this one technique in their practices.  This is an area that really sets acupuncture and dry needling apart in terms of who is performing it.  No matter who you see for this type of treatment, I believe it is important to understand the training that someone receives so that you can make an educated decision about who you see for treatment.  

 While PT’s and chiropractors can advertise that they do dry needling, they can not claim that they do acupuncture.  For dry needling, the required training for physical therapists and chiropractors is a weekend course.  In contrast, as an acupuncturist I had to complete 4 years of schooling to be able to be a Licensed Acupuncture Physician.  We learned about this approach in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from day 1 in school.  After completing these 4 years of schooling, I had to take 5 medical board exams in order to perform acupuncture and dry needling on a patient. In addition, I have completed extensive post graduate training in sports medicine, orthopedics and specifically trigger point acupuncture (dry needling).  I am explaining all of this just to illustrate the drastic difference in education and expertise. As acupuncturists, we went to school to learn how to use needles safely and effectively. For acupuncturist, needling IS our passion, focus, and preferred treatment modality. We are experts of acupuncture, dry needling, and Chinese Medicine.   

Seeing the Experts with a Collaborative Healthcare Approach

I highly value and respect what PTs and chiropractors do in terms of their treatment approaches, their training and education, and their areas of expertise.  I refer to them on a regular basis as our work all compliments each other. I find greater success when patients are incorporating in multiple treatment approaches with each of us providing the care that we specialize in. Collaborative healthcare is an approach that is critical to provide treatment that keeps in line with best practices and to ensure our patients get the best treatment they deserve.

As an acupuncturist I absolutely LOVE what I do. Acupuncture and using needles as my tool IS my passion. I LOVE helping people live their best life. I LOVE helping people get back to what they LOVE doing.  I LOVE the anatomy and mechanics of the body, I LOVE working with athletes and anyone wanting to be proactive with their health.  I LOVE Chinese Medicine, the theory, the approach, and the balanced approach that is rooted in nature.  I LOVE that Chines Medicine keeps the connection of mind, body, and heart at the forefront of the medicine. Being an acupuncturist is WHO I am, it is WHAT I do, and it is a part of me! If you are interested in dry needling, I highly suggest you see an acupuncturist for your acupuncture or needling needs and desires.  After all, we chose this medicine as our primary tool as it is our love, passion, and preference, and that is what makes a very noticeable difference in your treatment and outcomes!

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