Acupuncture vs Dry Needling.
Dry Needling and Acupuncture are similar in that they both involve the use of thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body. However, there are some key differences between the two techniques.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that there are certain points on the body, known as acupoints, that are connected by pathways or channels of energy called meridians. These meridians are thought to carry qi, or life energy, throughout the body.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, illness or pain occurs when the flow of qi along the meridians becomes disrupted or blocked. By inserting thin needles into the skin at these acupoints, Acupuncturists can restore the balance of qi in the body and stimulate the flow of energy along the meridians, promoting healing and relieving pain.
Does Acupuncture Work for Pain?
Some research suggests that Acupuncture may help to reduce pain and improve certain health conditions by stimulating the release of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system, such as endorphins and serotonin. There are many other studies that support Acupuncture for numerous health conditions and for injury recovery.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling, or Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN), is a modern Western technique that is based on the principles of anatomy and physiology. Historically, Acupuncturists called this type of needling technique “Deep Needling”.
What is Dry Needling used for?
Trigger Point Dry Needling is often used by medical professionals to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. Dry Needling involves inserting a thin needle directly into a muscle or trigger point with the goal of releasing tension, resetting muscle balance, reducing pain or improving muscle function. It’s not uncommon for a muscle to twitch or slightly spasm before releasing. Practitioners may hook up electrical stimulation to the needles to help calm or reset the muscle or release the trigger point.
Acupuncture or Dry Needling?
In summary, Acupuncture is a traditional form of medicine with a long history and a distinct set of beliefs and theories, while Dry Needling is a more modern, evidence-based technique used by medical professionals to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. Both can be beneficial to reduce areas of pain or imbalance.
Schedule Acupuncture or Dry Needling with our Team!
2 Office Locations: Boulder & Superior, CO
Open Weekdays & Weekends
About the Author: David is the founder of Boulder Therapeutics, Inc, and has been treating athletes and injured clients since 1999. He is passionate about educating people on massage therapy, injury rehab, Acupuncture, injury prevention, sports performance and stretching. He has learned over the years that getting enough care early-on dramatically helps reduce symptoms, and makes them much more manageable. He and his team advise clients on the frequency of their care and when they may need to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.