When you’re looking for a treatment that can help you heal and find pain relief, it’s important to find the right solution. Dry needling, a specialty physical therapy service, can be a great treatment. You may also be aware of acupuncture, which may seem like another helpful option. Though dry needling and acupuncture both involve needles, they are very different approaches. Understanding the differences can help you make informed decisions about your health.
3 main differences between dry needling and acupuncture
Philosophy — Dry needling and acupuncture involve fundamentally different approaches. Acupuncture is an alternative form of treatment originating in traditional Chinese medicine and is based on improving the way energy flows through the body. Needles are inserted in areas considered crucial for transporting or storing vital energy. Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries; however, there is little scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. Dry needling has a much different background. It's informed by rigorous research and the latest developments in health science. Dry needling targets trigger points, also known as muscle knots.
Scope of treatment — Acupuncture practitioners have a broad scope. They view a wide range of conditions and symptoms as being rooted in energy imbalances. The aim of acupuncture is to restore energy balance. This is meant to address concerns ranging from chronic pain to digestive issues. Dry needling shares some of the same goals. With dry needling, certified physical therapists seek to relieve muscle dysfunction. Commonly addressed symptoms include tension, spasms, inflammation and pain. This treatment is often complemented by other physical therapy treatments. Targeted exercises and manual therapy are among the most common complementary treatments.
Techniques — The techniques used in dry needling and acupuncture are very different. With acupuncture, the central strategy is inserting needles near 12 key areas of the body. In the philosophy behind acupuncture, these areas are called meridians. Each meridian is connected to a vital organ or system, such as the heart, lungs and stomach. Needles inserted near the meridians are intended to improve energy flow throughout the body. Dry needling techniques target injured or irritated muscles. With dry needling, physical therapists insert needles directly into affected muscles. This can help relieve symptoms and improve blood circulation. By boosting blood flow, dry needling can lead to faster healing as well.
Advantages of choosing dry needling over acupuncture
Dry needling can come with many advantages. Treatment is administered by certified physical therapists. Becoming certified requires extensive education and training. The results of dry needling are also backed by scientific evidence. Research shows that dry needling is effective for treating many conditions; according to one 2023 study, dry needling can improve pain and function in people with chronic neck pain. Some major benefits of dry needling include:
Targeted treatment — Dry needling targets specific trigger points. This means it can be effective in addressing highly localized symptoms. If you’re experiencing pain around a specific muscle or joint, dry needling can offer rapid, effective relief. The insertion of a dry needle can elicit a twitch response from the muscle, which can then lead to relaxation. In addition to relieving painful tension, muscle relaxation can also improve your flexibility. This can be key to progressing in your treatment. More muscle flexibility can help restore your mobility, improve athletic performance and reduce your risk of injury in the future.
Accelerated recovery — Dry needling does more than manage your symptoms in the short term; it can also help you find lasting relief. Dry needling treatment can trigger your body’s natural healing processes, accelerating your recovery. This can be a major benefit, especially for those seeking treatment after a soft tissue injury. Other complementary treatments, such as manual therapy, can help further promote a quick recovery.
Complementary approach — Dry needling is just one aspect of physical therapy. For best results, your physical therapist may incorporate a range of methods into your treatment plan. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that all your needs are met. As you make progress on your treatment journey, your physical therapist can modify your treatment to adapt to your changing needs and capabilities.
KC Rehab offers top-notch dry needling treatment
When you’re looking to get help managing your musculoskeletal condition, finding a good treatment provider is important. At KC Rehab, our team is committed to providing the highest level of service. We offer a range of specialized services to residents of the greater Kansas City, Missouri, metro area. With a tailored treatment plan including methods like dry needling, we can help you manage your symptoms and work toward lasting recovery.
Contact our team today for more information about dry needling or to schedule an initial appointment.
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