Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
This is 100% a hot button topic, but it is also a question that I get asked multiple times a week… “What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?” The answer is complex, but I will be as simplistic as possible.
There is a huge difference and no difference at all, depending on the angle with which you view it. There is no difference because dry needling is acupuncture. The practitioner uses acupuncture needles and treats trigger points, or as acupuncturists have called them for thousands of years, “ashi” or local points. At the same time, dry needling and acupuncture could not be more different in many respects; the training, the understanding of the needle and its relationship with anatomy, passion and approach to name a few.
Training and Approach
Dry needling is often performed by a Physical Therapist (PT) who took a weekend course while licensed acupuncturists (LAc’s) have had a minimum of 3.5 years of training and passed 3-4 medical boards. PT’s went to school for non-invasive and specific treatment modalities while acupuncturists went to school to learn how to use needles safely and effectively, it is their passion, focus, and preferred treatment modality. A PT’s preferred modality is physical therapy and corrective exercises, not acupuncture. I liken dry needling to barging down the front door while acupuncture sneaks in the back door. The body much prefers the calm, healing, and collaborative angle of acupuncture rather than the harsh approach of dry needling.
Acupuncture and Physical Ailments
Acupuncturists are trained in anatomical needling, and many have received further education to perfect their technique and knowledge. I have been in practice for nearly 12 years and have taken countless continuing education classes aimed specifically at anatomy and local/trigger point needling. You will often hear the teachers at dry needling courses telling the students that acupuncture only treats energy and meridians, not physical or anatomical concerns. This simply is not true! Some acupuncturists might be more interested in treating insomnia, infertility, digestive or emotional issues, or energy; and they will advertise that. I however, treat mostly pain, injury, and athletes. I know my anatomy very well, I am well versed in finding trigger points, and my techniques are incredibly helpful for treating athletes and pain patients alike. Frequently I will have patients and athletes tell me that they received dry needling, yet what I do is more effective and less painful! Talk about a win-win!
I LOVE what I do. I LOVE helping people live their best life. I LOVE experiencing a patient’s transformation. I LOVE the anatomy and mechanics of the body. I LOVE working with athletes. And I LOVE being an acupuncturist. It is who I am, it is what I do, and it is a part of me! I highly suggest an acupuncturist for your acupuncture or needling needs and desires, it is their love, passion, and preference, and that is a very noticeable difference!