Dry Needling vs Acupuncture whats the difference?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in China over 5000 years ago.  It's based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of chi, the vital life energy present in all living organisms.

According to acupuncture theory, chi circulates in the body along twelve major pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. By inserting very fine, sterile single-use needles at specific points along the meridians, your acupuncturist can redirect and reposition the flow of energy (chi) for the purpose of relieving tension, stress, and pain.

The uninterrupted and balanced flow of energy along these meridians contributes to one's overall health.  However, blockages and imbalances result in pain and illness.

Acupuncture for Pain?

The most common use for acupuncture is pain relief. Most commonly back pain. However, acupuncture can be used to treat nearly all sources of muscle and joint pain.

Acupuncture can provide great relief for neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, elbow pain, hand and wrist pain, back pain, hip and leg pain, knee pain, ankle pain and fibromyalgia.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is an effective and efficient technique for the treatment of muscular pain and myofascial dysfunction.  

Dry needling or intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a technique developed by Dr. Chan Gunn and is extremely effective for relaxing overactive muscles, which contain trigger points.

In simple terms, the treatment involves needling of a muscle's trigger points without injecting any substance.

The approach is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. It should not to be confused with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique of acupuncture. However, since the same filiment needles are used in both dry needling and acupuncture, the confusion is understandable.

Is Dry Needling Effective?

Dr Chan Gunn in his I.M.S. approach and Dr Fischer in his segmental approach to Dry Needling strongly advocate the importance of clearing trigger points in both peripheral and spinal areas.

Today specifically trained physiotherapists and acupuncturists are using dry needling effectively and extensively within their practices for the treatment of Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction.

As a Physio I utilise Dry Neeling regularly to affectively decrease the muscle spasm causing the pain or movement limitation. I find it to be a very affective contributor to Manual Therapy and have very positive results with clients.