Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

There are many similarities between acupuncture and Dry Needling as well as some key differences.

Needles

The needles, like those used in acupuncture, are very small, single use and are always sterile. Each needle is disposed of in biohazard containers.

Treatment Sites

Many of the insertion or treatment sites are similiar to those used in acupuncture. However, acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine and also uses other treatment sites associated with the meridians or energy channels believed to be in the body.

Dry needling treatment sites are based on medical locations of trigger points from within the muscles.

Education

While acupuncture requires training in traditional Chinese medicine, a practitioner of Dry Needling must have extensive education and knowledge of the nervous system, muscular system and orthopedics.