Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture | Axis Health Center

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At Axis Health Center, we often hear questions about dry needling and acupuncture. While both techniques involve needles, they serve different purposes and stem from distinct traditions. If you’re considering these treatments for pain relief in Saskatoon, understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern approach to acupuncture. While it incorporates many of the same ideas and techniques, the philosophy is different which guides the reasoning behind the different techniques used and why they use them. Dry needling is also known as intramuscular stimulation, is a modern therapy designed to alleviate pain and improve mobility by targeting myofascial trigger points, nerves, joint articulations, fascia, ligaments and tendons. These are tight areas within the muscle tissue that can cause discomfort and limit movement. During a dry needling session, thin needles are inserted directly into these trigger points to stimulate muscle contraction. This process helps to reduce muscle tightness, enhance blood flow, and diminish pain.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice with roots dating back over 2,000 years. It aims to restore balance in the body by stimulating specific points along energy pathways known as meridians. By inserting needles at these acupoints, acupuncture seeks to promote the flow of qi (energy) and trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This technique can help with a variety of health issues beyond just pain relief.

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Key Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture

  • Origins and Philosophy

    • Acupuncture: Originates from ancient Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy. It has been practiced for millennia and integrates concepts of energy flow and meridians in the body to regulate energy and homeostasis. When your body is out of homeostasis or A state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly, then problems arise leading to pain and disease.
    • Dry Needling: Developed in the mid-20th century, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and targets specific tissues that are not functioning well in order to improve their function and reduce pain. Dry needling focuses on specific anatomy and physiology of different tissues and is guided by the understanding of different symptoms in the body which determine where the needles need to be placed. It is a newer approach that emerged from research into pain relief and how stimulating the body in different points effectively reduces pain.

    Needle Placement

    • Acupuncture: Needles are inserted at various points along ancient meridians or energy pathways in the body, which may be located far from the pain source. For instance, treating lower back pain might involve needles placed in the feet or hands depending on the meridians that are being used for treatment.
    • Dry Needling: Needles are inserted directly into the muscle trigger points causing pain, tendon and ligaments that are not working well, or near nerves that are inflamed. This technique involves precise placement of needles near the specific tissues that are causing the pain and dysfunction.

    Sensations and Effects

    • Acupuncture: You may feel relaxed and stress-free immediately after a session, though pain relief might take a few days to fully develop.
    • Dry Needling: Relief can be felt almost immediately, with some discomfort or soreness expected as the muscles respond to the needle insertion.

    Duration and Needle Usage

    • Acupuncture: Needles can remain in place for a few minutes up to 20 minutes, and the practitioner may leave the room while you relax and the needles stimulate the meridians.
    • Dry Needling: Needles are typically left in place for just a few minutes and are often manipulated during the session. Your provider will monitor your response closely.

    Session Length

    • Acupuncture: Sessions might be longer as they involve a comprehensive approach to balancing energy across the body.
    • Dry Needling: Sessions are usually shorter and focus specifically on the trigger points, often combined with other techniques for comprehensive care including chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy, massage therapy and more.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Traditional acupuncture can treat a wide array of conditions in the body. Some of the most common things acupuncture is very effective at treating include:

  • Mood and Anxiety: Depression, anxiety, nervousness, excessive worrying, post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, prolonged depressive episodes, and others.
  • Digestive issues: Crohn’s, Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, gall stones, constipation, gastroparesis and more.
  • Hormone regulation problems: hyperthyroid and hypothyroid problems, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; adrenal disorders including addison’s disease (lack of cortisol), Cushing’s syndrome (excessive cortisol), adrenal insufficiency; polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) caused by elevated androgens leading to pelvic cramping and pain; menstrual and period pains, hyperparathyroid problems affecting calcium and kidney function (commonly leading to kidney stones).
  • Pain disorders: neck pain, back pain, headaches, migraines, numbness and tingling.

What Can Dry Needling Treat?

Dry Needling can treat a wide array of conditions in the body. Some of the most common things acupuncture is very effective at treating include:

  • Muscle, tendon, ligament dysfunction: dry needling is very effective at breaking up trigger points in muscle and fascia tissue. Additionally, torn or stressed ligaments and tendons like sprained ankles, achilles tendons, shoulder rotator cuff tears can all be treated with dry needling.
  • Nerve problems: Nerve problems including carpal tunnel, sciatica syndrome, baxter’s neuropathy, tibial nerve inflammation, occipital neuralgia, ulnar neuropathy, and other symptoms of numbness and tingling in the body.
  • Injuries: Dry needling is best if you have had an old or new injury where there is still some tissue damage and movement dysfunction from the injury. Examples like car accidents, sports injuries, old nagging injuries, work place injuries, and slips and falls are treated best with dry needling.

Benefits of Dry Needling

  • Targeted Pain Relief: Dry needling is highly effective for treating specific muscle-related pain and trigger points. It can improve range of motion and alleviate discomfort from chronic conditions.
  • Quick Results: Many patients experience immediate relief and improved muscle function after a session. It is often used as part of a comprehensive physical therapy program.

Benefits of Acupuncture

  • Holistic Approach: Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to health, addressing both physical and emotional aspects. It can be beneficial for a variety of conditions beyond pain, including stress, insomnia, and digestive issues.
  • Long-Term Relief: While the immediate effects may vary, acupuncture can provide lasting relief and contribute to overall well-being by promoting the body’s natural healing processes.

Who Can Perform Acupuncture or Dry Needling Treatments?

In Saskatoon, acupuncture is usually provided by licensed acupuncturists who have specialized training and certification. Dry needling, on the other hand, is typically performed by chiropractors, or other trained healthcare professionals.

Should I Try Acupuncture or Dry Needling?

Deciding between dry needling and acupuncture depends on your specific needs and health goals. If you are dealing with muscle pain, stiffness, or limited movement, dry needling might be particularly effective. It focuses on resolving localized issues within the muscles and often yields quick results.

If you are interested in a more holistic approach that addresses overall well-being, acupuncture could be a valuable option. It can help with a range of conditions and promote general health and balance.

Both dry needling and acupuncture offer unique benefits and can be effective tools in managing pain and improving health. At Axis Health Center in Saskatoon, our team is here to guide you through these options and help you choose the treatment that best meets your needs. Whether you are considering acupuncture or dry needling in Saskatoon, we are committed to providing personalized care and helping you achieve optimal results.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Axis Health Center today and take the first step towards improved health and well-being.

Try Acupuncture and Dry Needling Today—Contact Us Today!