Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: Understanding the Differences
When it comes to pain relief and musculoskeletal health, both dry needling and acupuncture use fine needles to target specific areas in the body. While these techniques share similarities, they are based on different principles, training, and mechanisms of action. In this blog, we’ll explore both approaches to better understand how both modalities can be used for optimal healing.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by myotherapists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors to target myofascial trigger points—tight muscle areas that contribute to pain and dysfunction. The term “dry” refers to the fact that no substances are injected; instead, thin needles are inserted into muscle knots to stimulate a local twitch response, which helps release muscle tension and improve mobility.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Targets trigger points to relieve muscle tightness and discomfort.
Increases blood circulation to the affected area, aiding in tissue recovery.
Provides local pain relief by disrupting pain signals at the muscle level.
Dry needling is a highly effective method for addressing musculoskeletal pain and is often used as a targeted treatment for specific areas of the body.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practiced for over 2,000 years. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) and promote balance throughout the body.
Acupuncture goes beyond the local treatment of muscles and is a holistic system that addresses the body’s overall health, targeting the nervous system, circulation, and internal balance. It can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain to digestive issues, stress, and more.
Acupuncture and Neuroscience
Recent scientific studies have enhanced our understanding of how acupuncture influences the nervous system:
Neuroplasticity & Pain Modulation: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which help reduce pain perception. It also supports neuroplasticity, allowing the brain and nervous system to adapt and heal from injury or chronic pain (Wang et al., 2024b)
Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: Acupuncture can help balance the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and digest") nervous systems, reducing stress and inflammation (Dimitrova, 2020)
Pain Pathways: Research using fMRI scans shows that acupuncture affects the brain’s periaqueductal gray (PAG), which plays a crucial role in pain modulation and the body’s response to injury (Dimitrova, 2020)
Reducing Inflammation: Acupuncture can influence the release of cytokines, molecules that help regulate inflammation and promote healing in the body (Bae et al., 2025)
Conditions Acupuncture Can Address
While dry needling primarily addresses musculoskeletal issues, acupuncture offers a broader range of applications, including:
✔️ Chronic pain (e.g., arthritis, migraines)
✔️ Stress and anxiety disorders
✔️ Digestive issues
✔️ Sleep disturbances
✔️ Neurological conditions (e.g., post-stroke rehabilitation)
Which One Is Right for You?
Both dry needling and acupuncture are effective tools for managing pain and promoting healing, but they serve different purposes. Dry needling is ideal for those looking for targeted relief from muscle tightness and trigger points. Acupuncture, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive approach to health, addressing both musculoskeletal pain and a variety of other systemic issues.
At East Brunswick Acupuncture, we understand the benefits of both techniques and work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. If you're unsure which treatment is right for you, we’re happy to discuss your options and help you find the approach that best fits your needs.
