Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Can Acupuncturists Do Dry Needling?

YES! “Dry needling” is just one way to use a needle, a technique that has also been called “ashi needling” in Chinese medicine.  The difference between dry needling versus acupuncture comes down to the training and licensure of the practitioner.  They are the same needles used in basically the same way.  But, if a practitioner doesn’t have an acupuncture license they can’t legally call it acupuncture, so they call it dry needling.

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Other practitioners that offer "dry needling" often include 

• physical therapists (PT)

• chiropractors (DC)

• athletic trainers (AT)

These practitioners typically complete a weekend course, or about 27 hours worth of instruction, before they can offer dry needling.

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In comparison, acupuncturists go to school and perfect their needling tecunique for 4 years! You do the math! :)

What Can Dry Needling Help Me With?

Dry Needling is often used to help relieve:

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• neck pain, whiplash

• shoulder pain, rotator cuff pain

• low back pain, sciatica

• joint pain in elbows, hips, or knees

• tendonitis, tennis elbow

• temporomandibular pain (TMJ)

• migraines and tension headaches

How Does Dry Needling Work?

From a Chinese Medicine Perspective

Pain and tension are explained in Chinese Medicine as blockages or stagnation of qi and blood in the channels. Dry Needling (and acupuncture) help to move this stagnation and regain a better flow, decreasing pain. ​

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From a Western Perspective

Think of your muscles like wood grain.  A knot in a muscle or fascia (the outer coverings of muscles and organs) is a tight, dense, hard spot, just like a knot in a piece of wood.  Muscles rely on good blood flow in order to stay soft, flexible, and pain free.  But when the blood hits a knot in a muscle it can’t get into that tight space very well.  The knot can get more tight and stuck as months or years go by since it is being starved of blood, oxygen, and nourishment.

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Dry Needling pokes tiny holes into these knots.  This lets the blood back in so the muscles can be soft again.  With good blood flow restored, your muscles can stretch and stop pulling on your bones, thus relieving pain.

What Does Dry Needling Feel Like? Does Dry Needling hurt?

The needles might feel intense, but they shouldn’t feel sharp, stabby, or painful.  Most people describe an achy, heavy, or twitchy sensation that can actually feel like relief, or “hurts so good”. ​

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The comfort and efficacy of your treatment depends on the skill of your practitioner.  The more time a practitioner has spent practicing with needles, the better their technique will be, and the better results you will get, with less pain.  If you don’t get good results, try a different practitioner.

What Can I Expect After My Dry Needling Appointment?

You should expect to feel relief right away. However, the goal is to solve the pain for good.  Most people come once a week for at least a few weeks in a row, depending on the nature of the injury.  Once the pain is solved, many people don’t need to keep coming back. 

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