Dry needling and acupuncture are very similar treatment modalities insofar as the type of needle used, so people sometimes confuse them with each other. Both treatments aim to relieve pain and improve function without the use of medication.
While both methods utilize the same type of needle to stimulate healing in the body, they have several key differences. Let’s talk about what the main differences are between acupuncture and dry needling, and where you can go in greater Austin for outstanding physical therapy treatment so you can finally achieve lasting pain relief.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a Western medicine approach that uses very thin needles to physically stimulate the nervous system. The goal is to relieve pain and improve function, based on modern medicine’s understanding of neuroanatomy and physiology.
The treatment is also sometimes called intramuscular stimulation (IMS). The practitioner of dry needling is usually a licensed physical therapist. The therapist looks for sensitive spots called “trigger points” in the muscle, where they will insert the needle and attempt to release the tension of the trigger point. Pain often stems from these trigger points in other areas of the body.
How Is Acupuncture Different?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine approach that uses the same thin needles to stimulate the body. The theory behind acupuncture is that it helps to promote general health and well-being, not necessarily to address a specific pain point.
Acupuncture is based on the belief that there is an energy force, called Qi (or chi), that flows through the body. This treatment is thought to correct the flow of energy.
What Are Their Key Differences?
Here are the main differences between dry needling and acupuncture:
1. The Approach: Western vs. Eastern
Dry needling is a Western medicine approach, while acupuncture is an Eastern medicine approach. The differences lie in both what the treatment is trying to accomplish in the body, and how the treatment is believed to accomplish it.
Western medicine tackles specific health problems, and each treatment is usually based on extensive research and proven results in successfully addressing that health issue. In contrast, Eastern medicine is based on the belief that there is an energy force flowing through the body, and acupuncture is supposed to restore the proper flow.
2. The Goal: Pain Relief vs. Overall Health
Dry needling aims to relieve pain, whereas acupuncture aims to promote total health and well-being. The trigger points in a muscle can cause radiating pain elsewhere in the body, so relieving the tension in a trigger point via dry needling can help to relieve everything from headaches to back pain.
3. The Needle Placement: Stimulation of Nervous System vs. Energy Points
Dry needling uses thin needles to stimulate the nervous system, focusing on alleviating pain points. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate energy points and release interruptions to the energy flow.
4. The Training: Physical Therapists vs. Acupuncturists
Physical therapists need to receive special medical training in order to perform dry needling. Acupuncturists are trained under an accredited acupuncturist in order to begin performing acupuncture.
5. The Evidence: Proven Results vs. “Harmony”
Proof of the effectiveness of dry needling is much more extensive, and concrete, than it is for acupuncture. Studies show that dry needling can effectively treat health conditions such as headaches, neck pain, and low back pain, whereas scientific evidence for acupuncture is limited and spotty.
Dry Needling in Austin, Texas
If you’d like to try nonsurgical and non medicinal treatment for your pains or headaches, consider dry needling. Our team at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness offers the best dry needling services in the greater Austin area.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call our friendly staff today at (512) 213-1092 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you at any of our convenient locations in Austin, San Marcos, Bee Cave, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Hutto, Manor, or Kyle!
