We often get asked, “what’s the difference in dry needling vs acupuncture?”
Dry needling is a skilled technique using filiform needles to penetrate the skin &/or underlying tissues to affect change in the body structures and functions for the evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairments and disability. Conversely, acupuncture is a part of the ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine in which practitioners insert and stimulate needles at specific points on the body to facilitate recovery of health.
The two practices are similar in the sense they both involve insertion of a solid filiform needle into a certain tissue within the body. Beyond this similarity however is where many differences lie in regards to the evaluation, application and purpose…
Evaluation:
Dry Needling
- Extensive subjective screening of prior & current level of function
- Objective evaluation of neuromotor system
Acupuncture
- Extensive subjective screening of organ systems
- Examination of the tongue
- Examination of the radial pulse
Application:
Dry Needling
- Needles are applied specific to the tissues responsible for driving neuromuscular dysfunction
- Based on clinician’s assessment & knowledge of neuroanatomy
Acupuncture
- Needles are applied along specific acupoints and meridians in the body
- May include ear acupuncture along specific auricular points
Purpose:
Dry Needling
- Uses needles to restore neuromotor function
Acupuncture
- Uses needles to balance the forces between Yin & Yang that produce the body’s Qi
While both techniques may be beneficial in an individual’s plan of care it is important to remember that this is just a “tool in the toolbox”. In the same sense that no one tool can build an entire house, one needling technique cannot fully or completely resolve all dysfunction.
Sources:
FSBPT. Analysis of Competencies for Dry Needling by Physical Therapists. Dry Needling Practice Analysis. 2015.
Gafarov GA. Acupuncture Research Methods. Journal of Applied Biotechnology and Bioengineering. 2020; 7(6): 276-278.
8 Things to Expect from Your First Acupuncture Appointment. Unified Practice website. August 7, 2019. Accessed March 31, 2023. www.unifiedpractice.com
Ahn AC, Colbert AP, Anderson BJ, et al. Electrical Properties of Acupuncture Points and Meridians: A Systematic Review. Bioelectromagnetics. 2008; 29:245-256.
Qju X, Gao Y, Zhang Z, et al. Fire Acupuncture Versus Conventional Acupuncture To Treat Spasticity After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(4):e0249313.
