Dry needling and acupuncture are two popular treatments that both use the very same needles, yet they work in very different ways. Although they look similar, these therapies have different origins, techniques, and uses in treating muscle and joint pain.
With decades of experience in musculoskeletal health, our chiropractors understand that living with such pain can significantly impact your quality of life. We’ll help you understand the differences of dry needling vs acupuncture, so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Let’s pinpoint the differences!
Origins and Philosophical Differences
Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles but are actually very different treatments with different philosophies .
Dry needling comes from Western medicine and is based on current science about how muscles and nerves work. It was developed in the late 20th century from research on muscle pain and trigger points.
We use dry needling because it matches our focus on treatments proven by western medicine and its science. Research supports its effectiveness, with 87% of patients 1IJSPT saying they would recommend it to others.
At our Alexandra Headland clinic, Dr Lillie who is a chiropractor and myotherapist regularly sees patients experience pain relief within minutes after her dry needling treatments.
Acupuncture comes from Traditional Eastern Medicine, specifically Chinese Medicine, and is thousands of years old. It's based on the idea of energy (Qi, which is pronounced "Chee") flowing through pathways called meridians in the body. Treatment aims to balance this energy flow.
While acupuncture has value and history, its approach is very different from the targeted, western science-based method we use at our clinic.
We choose to provide dry needling treatments because it works well with modern chiropractic care. By targeting specific muscle trigger points instead of energy meridians, we can directly address your pain. This helps us treat both your symptoms and the muscle problems causing your pain.
How These Techniques Work
In dry needling, we target specific trigger points – these are tight, painful knots in muscles that can cause pain in other areas. Inserting thin needles into these knots achieves a similar effect to releasing a trigger point with our hands, but with a much more specific and stronger impact.
This helps break the pain cycle in three main ways:
- Pain reduction (with effectiveness lasting up to three weeks 2APA)
- Calming the nervous system
- Reducing inflammation in the area
Acupuncture works differently. It traditionally aims to balance energy (Qi) flow through pathways called meridians. Modern research shows acupuncture may work by releasing natural painkillers and boosting the immune system.
The key difference in dry needling vs acupuncture is that dry needling specifically targets muscle problems, while acupuncture works on energy meridians. So depending on your own philosophy and beliefs one may suit you more than the other.
Treatment Techniques and Needle Placement
How these therapies are applied shows their biggest difference.
In dry needling, we find trigger points (tender knots) in muscles through a physical exam. We then put needles directly into these knots to make the muscle relax and sometimes even twitch. This direct approach sets dry needling apart.
We might move the needle in and out or leave it in place for a short time, depending on the patient’s needs. Most treatments use 3-5 needles in a specific muscle, sometimes more depending on the size of the muscle and patient.
Acupuncture places needles along traditional energy pathways that may be far from where you feel pain. For example, to treat neck pain, needles might go in your lower leg based on energy pathway theories. These needles usually stay in place for 20-30 minutes, while the Chinese Medicine Doctor or Acupuncturist leaves the room to let you rest and to see other patients.
Therapeutic Applications
Our team of experienced chiropractors finds dry needling particularly effective for:
- Neck pain (both short-term and long-term)
- Lower back pain and leg pain (sciatica)
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain (tennis and golfer's elbow)
- Headaches and migraines related to muscle tension
- Helping muscles recover after exercise – reduces soreness by fighting inflammation
Acupuncture works for a wider range of health issues based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Australian research shows it helps with ongoing back pain and knee arthritis.
Which treatment is right for you depends on your specific problem. Dry needling is best for targeted muscle and joint issues and can give you instant relief.
What to Expect During Treatment
Worried about needles? Don't be – your comfort is our priority. During a dry needling session, your chiropractor will:
- Check your muscles to find problem areas
- Explain what will happen and answer your questions
- Use sterilised, single-use thin needles with a guide tube which take merely a second to insert into the specific trigger point
You might feel a quick pinch and then sometimes a deep ache, warmth or even a muscle twitch. This might be uncomfortable for a moment, but it means the treatment is working on your pain source. The chiropractor may leave the needles in for a bit, move them around, twist them, or flick them gently. Sessions usually take 10-15 mins.
In traditional acupuncture, you'll get a different type of assessment based on Chinese medicine. Needles stay in place for 20-30 minutes. Most people feel warmth or tingling rather than the muscle twitch you get with dry needling.
Safety and Recovery
Both treatments are very safe when performed by qualified professionals.
After dry needling, you might feel some muscle soreness, similar to what you'd feel after a workout. This is actually good sterilised – it means the treatment is working. This soreness usually goes away within 1-2 days. You might get small bruises where the needles were, sometimes small capillaries are hit and you can get a little bump inside the muscle, but these are usually minor and of no concern.
Acupuncture patients often have less soreness right after treatment but might feel a bit tired.
We only use packaged sterilised, single-use needles that meet Australian safety standards. Our dry needling practitioner Dr Lillie is well-trained in safe needling methods and knows exactly where to place the needles for best results.
To support your recovery, we suggest moving gently, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding intense exercise for a day. Many patients can move better right away after dry needling, with full benefits showing up over the next 2-3 days as muscles continue to relax.
Why Dry Needling Enhances Chiropractic Treatment
When we release tight muscles with dry needling first, our chiropractic adjustments work better because your joints can move more easily.
Our treatment approach includes:
- Dry needling to release tight, painful trigger points in muscles
- Chiropractic adjustments to improve joint movement
- Exercises to build strength
- Practical advice about daily habits that affect your health
By combining these treatments, we help fix both your pain symptoms and what's causing them, giving you longer-lasting relief.
Conclusion
While dry needling and acupuncture might look the same, they are actually very different treatments with different backgrounds, methods, and uses.
At Rasura Chiropractic Centres, we focus on treatments that western science shows are effective. Our skilled chiropractor and myotherapist Dr Lillie is trained to perform dry needling as part of a comprehensive holistic treatment.
If you have muscle or joint pain, or trouble moving, talk to us about whether dry needling might help you. Our team is dedicated to helping you reduce pain, move better, and enjoy a fuller life.
Book your appointment with one of our friendly receptionists today.
