What is Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling?

Been getting this question a lot since moving to Colorado, where Acupuncturists work alongside Physical Therapists and Chiropractors who are allowed to perform dry needling.

While both acupuncture and dry needling use the insertion of fine, sterile needles at specific points along the body as a means to achieve musculoskeletal pain relief, increased mobility and performance - the training, process and approach in these techniques differ considerably - meaning there are BIG differences that affect patient comfort and outcomes.

Acupuncturists are the only practitioners who are equipped with the anatomical and theoretical knowledge that enable a weaving of artistry and science into treatment with the use of needles for therapeutic effect. Acupuncturists spend 3-4 years in a rigorous Masters degree program learning anatomy and physiology from both Eastern and Western perspectives with hundreds of hours under clinical supervision, and then must complete a series of national board exams for licensure.

The amount of education and training a Physical Therapist or Chiropractor receives to learn how to dry needle is far less.

DRY NEEDLING is performed under conditions that are strictly orthopedic in nature and often relies on a "no pain, no gain" application. ACUPUNCTURE encompasses a comprehensive approach to patient care. From an Eastern medical perspective, all is connected in mind, body and spirit, including acute and chronic injury. Acupuncturists are uniquely skilled in a variety of needling techniques that can comfortably address orthopedic pain through meridian theory and/or trigger and motor point therapy, while also supporting the patient's nervous system and underlying constitutional pathology for a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the root cause of pain.

There are indeed many talented practitioners from all fields of medicine related to orthopedic care! Patients however, should feel fully informed and empowered to choose a course of treatment that honors physical and psycho-emotional alignment.

Always happy to answer your questions - more information about how I work and what I treat can be found here: www.meghanroseacu.com/conditionstreated .

Can't wait to treat you and continue the deeper healing journey together.

-M

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