Acupuncture is a technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine used to balance the flow of life force energy by inserting thin needles into acupuncture points.
On the other hand, dry needling is an invasive treatment performed by certified practitioners, in which a fine needle is inserted into a muscle to address pain and movement issues related to myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). These trigger points are hyperirritable spots located within taut bands of skeletal muscle and can be felt as nodules.
Dry needling helps reduce muscle tightness and pain while increasing blood flow. The term “Dry” needling is used because the filiform needles used are fine, short, stainless-steel needles that do not inject fluid into the body.
Causes of MTrPs:
- Repetitive muscle movements
- Lifting heavy weights beyond your strength
- Poor posture (lack of movement, prolonged sitting)
- Chronic stress
- Direct injury
Benefits of dry needling:
- Accelerates your body’s natural healing process
- Resolves acute and chronic headaches and migraines
- Relaxes stiff muscles
- Increases blood flow to the muscles
- Helps with tendonitis
