Dry Needling 101

Are Dry Needling and Acupuncture the same thing?

Yes and no.

Yes, in that both treatments involve placing small needles on the body.

But no, they are not the same in regards to WHERE the needles are placed.

Acupuncture believes in placing the needles in specific “chi” areas of the body to focus on the channels of energy and unblock energy that is obstructed by tension.

Dry needling focuses on the areas of the body, experiencing pain or tension, known as trigger points. These trigger points are relative to the nervous system and musculoskeletal system and are commonly called knots.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

During a dry needling treatment, the chiropractor focuses on inserting a very thin needle into the myofascial trigger point in the muscle. By inserting the needling into the muscle, a twitch or contraction reaction will occur. This reaction is the trigger point being released, allowing the muscle to relax. Depending on the severity of the problem area, the number of needles used and the number of treatments varies for each patient. Dry needling is a relatively painless treatment.

What are the Benefits?

– decreased in acute and chronic muscle pain
– increased mobility
– quicker chiropractic treatment response