Acupuncture vs Dry needling
About Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling:
If you’re familiar with dry needling or acupuncture, the first thing that probably comes to mind is needles — thin, sterile ones inserted into the skin.
While that’s true for both, the similarities largely end there. Dry needling and acupuncture are distinct therapies with different origins, purposes, techniques, and treatment outcomes.
From how the needles are placed to how long a session lasts, the two practices vary significantly — and understanding those differences can help you choose the right option for your needs.
Adam Kimberly, PT, DPT, OCS, a clinical rehabilitation manager, breaks down the key differences between dry needling and acupuncture, and how each can support your health and recovery goals.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
What’s the Difference?
Though both dry needling and acupuncture involve the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin, the similarities between the two end there. Dry needling, also known as intramuscular stimulation, is a modern therapeutic technique used to treat pain and mobility issues stemming from myofascial trigger points—tight, sensitive areas within muscle and connective tissue. When a needle is inserted into one of these trigger points, it stimulates a twitch response in the muscle, which can help release tension, improve blood flow, reduce discomfort, and restore normal movement patterns.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, is a centuries-old practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is based on the belief that health depends on the balanced flow of energy, or qi, through pathways in the body known as meridians. By inserting needles at specific points along these pathways, acupuncture is thought to restore energetic balance, prompting the brain to release endorphins and activating the body’s natural healing response.
As Dr. Adam Kimberly, PT, DPT, OCS, explains, dry needling is primarily used to target musculoskeletal dysfunction by addressing muscle and fascial tissue directly, while acupuncture takes a more holistic approach, aiming to restore internal balance and support the body’s healing mechanisms. Despite their similar tools, the philosophy, technique, and goals behind each practice are distinct.
How does it feel?
Dry needling and acupuncture are generally well-tolerated and are not as painful as many people expect. The needles used in both treatments are extremely thin—so much so that you may barely feel them during insertion. At most, you might notice a brief pinprick sensation.
“There’s even research showing that the more local twitch responses we see, the longer-lasting the effects of dry needling can be,” explains Dr. Kimberly.
Mild soreness following either dry needling or acupuncture is normal and typically resolves within a day or two.
“Hydration plays an important role in both reducing soreness and improving mobility after treatment,” adds Dr. Kimberly.
Needle Type
Both dry needling and acupuncture use ultra-thin, stainless-steel needles—much finer than those used for injections.
Book NowNumber of Needles Used
The number of needles used varies depending on the treatment and practitioner. Dry needling involves fewer needles.
Book NowSession Duration
Dry needling sessions are often shorter than acupuncture treatments, especially when integrated into a broader pain
Book NowFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to managing pain and improving overall health when performed by licensed professionals.
Yes, both therapies use very thin, sterile, single-use needles. However, the techniques, needle placement, and purpose of treatment differ significantly.
No. While both involve needles, dry needling is a modern, evidence-based treatment used to target muscle pain and dysfunction, especially related to trigger points. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy based on the concept of balancing energy flow (Qi) in the body.
Dry needling is commonly used for musculoskeletal issues such as back and neck pain, sports injuries, tension headaches, tendinopathies, and muscle tightness.
Acupuncture may help with a wide range of health concerns, including chronic pain, migraines, stress, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances.
Most people report minimal discomfort with both techniques. Dry needling may cause a brief muscle twitch or soreness. Acupuncture is generally painless and often relaxing.