What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a minimally invasive therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific anatomical points on the body, known as acupuncture points. These points are often located in areas of dense nerve endings, muscle fibers, and connective tissue. The goal of acupuncture is to stimulate the body's physiological processes to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.
Acupuncture is commonly integrated into care plans for conditions such as chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders and functional issues, providing a non-pharmacological option for improving patient outcomes.
What is Dry Needling?
A "dry needle" is a thin, solid, filiform needle used in both acupuncture and dry needling. It is designed to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues without injecting or withdrawing any substance (hence the term “dry”).
Both acupuncture and dry needling are "dry needle" therapies; however, the term "dry needling" was introduced to distinguish a localized technique performed by physical therapists and other healthcare providers from the more comprehensive therapeutic scope of acupuncture:
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a comprehensive treatment rooted in both traditional practices and modern science. It takes a whole-body approach, addressing not only localized pain but also the underlying imbalances that may contribute to a condition. Trigger points are just one of many types of points that an acupuncturist will utilize during treatment. This broader perspective makes acupuncture an effective tool for managing chronic pain, stress, and functional disorders.
Dry Needling: Dry needling is a more localized technique focused on trigger points—tight bands of muscle fibers that can cause pain or restricted movement. It is often used in physical therapy or sports medicine settings to release muscle tension and restore range of motion. While effective for musculoskeletal pain, dry needling does not address systemic issues or the body’s overall function.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Rebalancing Muscle Activity: Targeting motor points or trigger points in muscles can restore proper muscle function, relieve tension, and improve joint stability.
Modulating the Nervous System: Stimulating acupuncture points can activate sensory nerves, which communicate with the central nervous system. This activation may lead to the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which help regulate pain and mood.
Enhancing Circulation: Needle insertion has been shown to increase local blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues and aiding in the removal of waste products.
Influencing the Immune System: Acupuncture can stimulate the release of anti-inflammatory mediators, potentially reducing swelling and inflammation in affected areas.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional. The use of sterile, single-use needles minimizes the risk of infection, and complications are extremely rare. Adverse effects, such as mild bruising or soreness, are typically minor and temporary. For most patients, acupuncture is a low-risk, minimally invasive treatment option for managing pain and improving overall health.
