Acupuncture and dry needling are commonly associated with the insertion of needles into the body. However, you might be startled to hear that that’s about where the similarities end. The history, advantages, number of needles used, and session duration are all extremely different between dry needling and acupuncture.
Dry needling practitioners aim to relieve tension from muscular knots and pressure points. To influence the nervous system and release endorphins, acupuncturists inject needles. Acupuncture was traditionally used to balance a person’s qi or vitality.
Although acupuncture has been extensively researched as a supplementary therapy for several ailments, the data supporting dry needling, a relatively recent technique, is not as strong. Furthermore, acupuncturists are subject to stringent regulations, yet dry needling is unregulated. This article will teach you more about dry needling vs acupuncture techniques and their possible advantages. Let’s begin!
Difference Between Dry Needle Therapy and Acupuncture
Dry needling, also known as intramuscular stimulation, is a kind of therapy used to address pain and mobility problems brought on by stiff spots in your connective tissue called myofascial trigger points, which can limit the movement of your muscles and joints. Your muscles twitch or contract due to the needles’ stimulation, which can soothe pain, improve blood flow, and lessen stiffness.
The traditional Chinese acupuncture treatment can potentially reduce pain and other indications of certain illnesses. It is said to restore equilibrium to the flow of qi, or energy, throughout your body, triggering the production of endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals, and enhancing your body’s inherent healing capacity.
Experts explain that acupuncture primarily focuses on realigning qi and stimulating your body’s natural ability to heal. In contrast, using dry needles approaches discomfort from a myofascial viewpoint, concentrating on the muscle groups and connective tissue.
Let’s examine some of those distinctions between dry needling and acupuncture in more detail.
The Origins of the Techniques
While dry needling is a contemporary technique based on Western medicine, acupuncture is an age-old method rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Though many modern acupuncturists now integrate ideas from Western medicine, acupuncture was first recorded in China around 100 BCE, or over 2,000 years ago.
In contrast, dry needling is a relatively recent kind of treatment. It didn’t surface until the beginning of the twentieth century when medical professionals attempted to determine the most effective way to alleviate the discomfort that triggers the sensitive points.
What Happens to the Needles?
To treat you, an acupuncturist will place needles into certain acupoints situated along 14 “energy-carrying channels” called meridians. It is claimed that each meridian corresponds to a certain organ system and that reestablishing your body’s energy flow may be achieved by stimulating energy points along those meridians.
This implies that your acupuncturist may insert needles into areas of your body that don’t seem to be connected to the problems you’re experiencing. Your acupuncturist may place one or more needles in your feet or close to your ears, which are points connected to certain meridians, if you are receiving treatment for lower back pain, for instance.
In contrast, your trigger point, the part of your muscle tissue that hurts and restricts your range of motion, is where needles are put during dry needling. Your healthcare practitioner will use their hands to feel several areas to determine where the needle should be inserted.
How do they Feel like?
Acupuncture and dry needling don’t hurt as much as you would think. The needles in both situations are so tiny that you might not notice them entering your body, but you might get a slight pinching feeling. You’re more likely to experience some soreness or discomfort, particularly with dry needling, because this technique targets trigger zones, which are inherently unpleasant and tight. Your muscle should twitch when the needle tip is put into an activation point, which is a positive thing.
Related: What is Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation?
Research on The Difference Between Dry Needle Therapy and Acupuncture
The majority of the current studies on dry needling support its use in the treatment of mild to severe pain. In several trials, dry needling was more effective in relieving pain than a placebo.
However, according to one research, stretching alone can ease muscular discomfort just as well as dry needling. Furthermore, a 2012 study discovered that platelet-rich plasma injections, instead of dry needling, alleviate rotator cuff problems more.
However, on the other side, another study concludes that acupuncture can treat pain in many ways. Let’s have a look at them in detail.
Lower Back Discomfort
A review of research conducted in 2015 concluded that acupuncture may offer temporary relief from back discomfort. This is valid regardless of whether acupuncture is used with other therapies, such as prescription or physical therapy.
Knee Discomfort
Adults with osteoarthritis of the knee are mostly disabled due to pain. Research conducted in 2008 discovered that acupuncture serves as a useful treatment for osteoarthritis’ physical symptoms, including knee pain.
Ache in the Neck
A 2015 research found that acupuncture can dramatically lessen neck discomfort. When acupuncture is combined with other methods to relieve muscular strain and lessen neck strain, the results are significantly better than with standard treatment.
Read More: The Untold Physio Story – Endocervical Reduction for Bilateral Complaints
Difference Between Dry Needle Therapy and Acupuncture: The Bottom Line!
Dry needling and acupuncture are two possible treatments for reducing muscle tightness and soreness. Acupuncture is a disciplined practice. At key locations, needles are implanted to promote the body’s natural energy flow. Although there is conflicting data, acupuncture is generally accepted to be beneficial in treating many illnesses.
Much later on, dry needling was established. One is far more likely to encounter adverse effects without official rules. Although not many studies have been done, some people report that this approach helps them feel less pain. Before attempting acupuncture or dry needling, find a practitioner and speak with your doctor.
