Dry needling has gained attention in recent years as a therapeutic technique used to address muscle pain, movement issues, and trigger points. While it uses thin needles similar to acupuncture, its approach, purpose, and background are quite different. For patients curious about this method, here is what you need to know.
What Does Dry Needling Actually Do?
Dry needling involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles into muscle tissue near “trigger points.” These trigger points are tight, sensitive areas of muscle fibers that can cause pain or restrict movement. By stimulating these points, dry needling helps release muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore mobility. Many patients report reduced pain and improved range of motion after treatment.
What Are the Downsides of Dry Needling?
Like most treatments, dry needling has potential side effects. These may include:
- Temporary soreness or bruising at the needle site
- Mild bleeding
- Fatigue or lightheadedness in some patients
While generally considered safe when performed by trained providers, dry needling should only be done by licensed professionals who understand anatomy and sterile technique.
Why Is Dry Needling Sometimes Controversial or Restricted?
In some states and countries, dry needling is restricted or even considered “illegal” for certain practitioners. This is often due to professional scope-of-practice debates. For example, some medical and acupuncture boards disagree on who is qualified to use the technique. The controversy is less about patient safety and more about professional licensing and training standards.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
Though they use the same type of thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are distinct practices:
- Dry Needling is rooted in Western medicine. Its focus is on muscle physiology, trigger points, and pain management.
- Acupuncture, on the other hand, is a traditional Chinese medicine practice with thousands of years of history. It is based on restoring the balance of energy (Qi) in the body by stimulating specific points along meridians.
Both techniques can reduce pain and promote healing, but they differ in philosophy, training, and approach.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
When the needle penetrates a trigger point, it can cause a small “twitch response” in the muscle fibers. This twitch helps reset the muscle, reduce tension, and encourage normal function. The body also responds by increasing blood flow to the area, releasing endorphins, and calming overactive nerve signals—leading to pain relief and healing.
Benefits of Dry Needling
- Relieves chronic and acute muscle pain
- Improves mobility and flexibility
- Reduces tension headaches and jaw pain (TMJ)
- Supports recovery from sports injuries
- Complements physical therapy for long-term results
Final Thoughts
Dry needling can be a powerful tool for pain relief and muscle recovery, especially when performed by a skilled provider. However, it is not a substitute for acupuncture or other traditional therapies. At the Han Institute, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis brings decades of expertise in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine to help patients achieve holistic healing. If you’re curious about how acupuncture compares to dry needling—or which option may be best for your health—schedule a consultation today.
