what is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Acupuncture and dry needling are two related techniques that use thin needles to alleviate pain and discomfort in the body. While there is some overlap between the two, there are also some key differences.

Dry needling is primarily focused on musculoskeletal pain and trigger points, or knots in the muscles that can contribute to pain. The technique involves inserting acupuncture needles directly into the trigger point to release tension and promote healing.

Acupuncture also targets trigger points but takes a more systemic approach, often using points that may seem unrelated to the primary point of pain. For example, an acupuncturist may use points in the ear, hands or feet to address pain in the back or neck. Acupuncture also considers the broader context of a person's health, taking into account factors such as stress, diet and lifestyle.

Every practitioner of both disciplines is unique in how they practice. As an acupuncturist, I personally have always practiced "dry needling" and referred to it as acupuncture. In my practice, I address not only the pain, but also any underlying factors that may contribute to it. I often needle more points than what is done in a typical dry needling session and leave the points in for up to 45 minutes, whereas some dry needling sessions can last less than 5 minutes and are focused on a specific muscle of body part.

How many treatments will i need?

The frequency of acupuncture treatments needed depends on how disruptive the issue is to your daily life and happiness. For example, if someone has tennis elbow and cannot play without pain during tennis season, I might see them once or twice a week for a few weeks to address the issue head-on. This is a typical treatment plan when patients come in for acupuncture, as a series of treatments often work most efficiently.

Once the condition improves, the time between treatments can be spread out until it is resolved or the patient is satisfied with the improvement. For general wellness, athletes, those with high stress jobs or desk jobs, etc., they could benefit from coming in on a maintenance schedule every 3-4 weeks. Some people have seen significant improvement in their quality of life and have continued coming in weekly for years. Others may come in seasonally for "tune-ups."

Everybody is different in how they respond, but all can benefit from maintenance of their body systems, musculoskeletal health, and stress management. As an acupuncturist, I strive to create individualized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient's unique needs.