Acupuncture
Understanding the Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture
If you’re searching for pain relief, you’ve probably come across both acupuncture and dry needling as treatment options. While they may appear similar—both involve inserting thin needles into the body—their philosophy, training, technique, and treatment goals are very different.
At Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in Metairie, LA, we frequently get asked:
“Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?”
Let’s break down the science, similarities, and when to choose one over the other.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a relatively modern technique developed by physical therapists and sports medicine practitioners. It targets myofascial trigger points—tight bands of muscle that may cause pain, stiffness, or limited movement.
Dry needling is a technique that uses thin, solid needles to stimulate muscle tissue without injecting any substances—hence the term “dry.”
Key Features:
- Based on Western anatomy and neurophysiology
- Involves inserting thin needles into muscle knots to relieve tension
- Often used to treat sports injuries, tendonitis, or joint stiffness
Research on Dry Needling:
- A 2013 systematic review in Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found it can improve muscle function and reduce pain
- A 2017 study in Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy noted that 85% of patients experienced relief after just one session
Dry needling is symptom-focused—it treats the area that hurts but doesn’t address systemic issues or underlying imbalances.
When most people hear the term “acupuncture” they think of needles being inserted into the skin. The term dry needling is often brought up for people suffering from pain as well and it also includes needles being inserted into the skin. But for the most part, that’s where the similarities end. Everything from their origins and benefits to how many needles and how long a session might take is different. Let’s take a deep dive into both.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine, practiced for over 2,000 years. It’s a central part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and uses a network of energy pathways (meridians) to treat pain and improve whole-body health.
Key Features:
- Based on balancing Qi (vital energy) throughout the body
- Needles are placed on specific acupuncture points. Points can be local or distant from the site of pain
- Treats not just pain, but also sleep, digestion, stress, hormonal health, and more
What Modern Science Says:
- A 2012 meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine found acupuncture to be more effective than usual care or placebo for chronic pain
- A 2018 study in Journal of Pain showed up to a 30% reduction in chronic pain intensity
Acupuncture also improves nervous system regulation, circulation, and can treat multiple conditions in a single session.
A Helpful Primer on Acupuncture Needles
Just how many types are there and what do they all do?
If you’ve ever thought about trying acupuncture, you might find yourself with an equal mix of curiosity and trepidation. What is this “ancient medicine?” How does it work? And what about all the different kinds of needles? Do they hurt? Let’s take some of the guesswork and trepidation out of the equation and define the various needles that could be used in treatment. Each one fulfills its own purpose and has a specific role in restoring balance and promoting healing. continue reading
Finding Relief: Acupuncture for Neuropathy
According to a 2014 study, approximately 10% of Americans suffer from some form of neuropathic pain. And those numbers have only increased since then. Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances. Traditional treatments can offer limited relief depending on the severity of the condition and patients can grow desperate for relief. Acupuncture offers those looking for answers another option for pain relief. continue reading
Acupuncture: A Gentle Touch in the Fight Against Cancer
Hearing you’ve been diagnosed with cancer can feel like getting run over by a freight train. It can be overwhelming to learn about the prognosis, treatment options, and what to expect as you begin the journey that will hopefully lead to a full recovery.
The aggressive treatments, often including chemotherapy and radiation, can leave patients feeling drained and in constant pain. What many people don’t realize is that acupuncture can be a great source of hope as it helps bring physical relief to many of the symptoms caused by traditional cancer treatments. continue reading
Acupuncture Offers Hope for Diabetes Management
If you or someone you love suffers from type 2 diabetes, then you understand the challenges that come with this disease. Despite adhering to a medication regimen and making positive lifestyle changes, those dealing with diabetes might still struggle with managing blood sugar levels. Frustration and fatigue can be constant companions. But did you know that acupuncture can help with diabetes management? Whether you are skeptical or desperate for some help, it’s worth looking into acupuncture as a source of hope and help in managing this often-tricky disease. continue reading
