Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, but that's where the similarity ends. These are distinct treatment approaches with different philosophies, techniques, and applications. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right treatment for your needs. At M.O. Therapy in Markham, we use evidence-based techniques including dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions.
What Is Dry Needling?
Definition
Dry needling (also called intramuscular stimulation or IMS) is a modern treatment technique where thin needles are inserted into trigger points, muscles, ligaments, or tendons to relieve pain and improve function.
How It Works
Mechanism:
- Targets trigger points (muscle knots)
- Creates local twitch response
- Reduces muscle tension
- Interrupts pain cycle
- Promotes blood flow and healing
Physiological Effects:
- Releases tight muscle bands
- Reduces local inflammation
- Stimulates natural pain relief
- Improves range of motion
- Normalizes muscle function
What Are Trigger Points?
Characteristics:
- Hyperirritable spots in muscle
- Feel like "knots"
- Cause local and referred pain
- Limit muscle function
- Common in chronic pain conditions
What Is Acupuncture?
Definition
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice involving the insertion of thin needles at specific points along meridians to balance energy flow (qi) and promote healing.
Philosophy
Traditional Basis:
- Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Focuses on energy (qi) balance
- Meridian system throughout body
- Holistic approach to health
- Treats underlying imbalances
How It Works
Traditional Explanation:
- Restores qi flow
- Balances yin and yang
- Addresses organ system dysfunction
- Treats whole person, not just symptoms
Modern Understanding:
- Stimulates nerve endings
- Releases endorphins
- Affects neurotransmitters
- Modulates pain processing
Key Differences
Philosophy and Training
Dry Needling:
- Western medicine approach
- Based on anatomy and physiology
- Performed by physiotherapists, doctors, chiropractors
- Part of comprehensive treatment
- Additional certification required
Acupuncture:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Based on energy and meridian theory
- Performed by licensed acupuncturists or TCM practitioners
- Often standalone treatment
- Extensive dedicated training
Treatment Points
Dry Needling:
- Targets trigger points and tight muscles
- Based on anatomy
- Points where dysfunction is found
- Focus on musculoskeletal system
Acupuncture:
- Predetermined acupuncture points
- Based on meridian system
- May be distant from symptoms
- Treats various conditions
Assessment
Dry Needling:
- Physical examination
- Palpation of trigger points
- Movement assessment
- Identifies muscle dysfunction
Acupuncture:
- Pulse and tongue diagnosis
- Full health history
- TCM pattern identification
- Energy imbalance assessment
Treatment Goals
Dry Needling:
- Release trigger points
- Reduce muscle tension
- Improve movement
- Decrease pain
- Part of rehab program
Acupuncture:
- Balance energy
- Treat whole person
- Address underlying cause
- Promote overall wellness
- Various health conditions
Conditions Treated
Dry Needling Best For
Musculoskeletal:
- Neck pain
- Low back pain
- Headaches (muscle-related)
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Sports injuries
- Tendinopathy
- Muscle strains
Acupuncture Used For
Broader Range:
- Pain conditions
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive issues
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Women's health
- Respiratory conditions
- General wellness
What to Expect
Dry Needling Session
Process:
- Assessment and examination
- Identification of trigger points
- Needle insertion into muscle
- May feel twitch response
- Needles removed (usually quickly)
- Part of larger treatment
Sensations:
- Deep ache during treatment
- Twitch response (muscle jump)
- Post-treatment soreness possible
- Improved movement after
Duration:
- 10-20 minutes typically
- Part of physiotherapy session
- Multiple areas may be treated
Acupuncture Session
Process:
- TCM assessment
- Needle insertion at acupoints
- Needles left in place 15-30 minutes
- May involve gentle manipulation
- Relaxation during treatment
Sensations:
- Minimal pain with insertion
- May feel "qi sensation" (heaviness, tingling)
- Relaxing experience
- Calm during treatment
Duration:
- 45-60 minutes full session
- Needles in for 15-30 minutes
- Often peaceful experience
Evidence Base
Dry Needling Research
Evidence Supports:
- Effective for myofascial pain
- Helps trigger point release
- Improves range of motion
- Benefits various musculoskeletal conditions
- Best when combined with exercise
Acupuncture Research
Evidence Shows:
- Effective for chronic pain
- Helps with headaches/migraines
- May help nausea and vomiting
- Some conditions have strong evidence
- Mechanism research ongoing
Safety and Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Both Treatments:
- Mild bruising
- Temporary soreness
- Bleeding at needle site
- Fatigue after treatment
Safety
Both Are Generally Safe When:
- Performed by trained practitioners
- Using sterile needles
- Appropriate precautions taken
- Contraindications observed
Contraindications
Caution With:
- Bleeding disorders
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy (some points)
- Infection at needle site
- Metal allergies
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Dry Needling If
You Have:
- Specific muscle pain
- Trigger points
- Sports injuries
- Movement dysfunction
- Want it as part of physio treatment
Choose Acupuncture If
You Have:
- Interest in TCM approach
- Non-musculoskeletal conditions
- Preference for holistic treatment
- Chronic conditions
- Interest in preventive care
Or Consider Both
Complementary Use:
- Different mechanisms
- Can address different aspects
- Some practitioners offer both
- Discuss with your providers
Dry Needling at M.O. Therapy
Our Approach
Integration:
- Part of comprehensive treatment
- Combined with manual therapy
- Exercise prescription included
- Holistic musculoskeletal care
What We Treat
Common Conditions:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain
- Movement dysfunction
Our Practitioners
Qualified Providers:
- Trained physiotherapists
- Additional dry needling certification
- Ongoing education
- Evidence-based practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dry needling hurt? You may feel a deep ache or twitch response, which can be uncomfortable but brief. Most people tolerate it well. Post-treatment soreness is common but typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
How many sessions will I need? This depends on your condition. Some people notice improvement after 1-2 sessions, while chronic conditions may require more. Dry needling is usually part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Is dry needling the same as IMS? Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) and dry needling are often used interchangeably. IMS was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn and is one form of dry needling technique.
Can I get both dry needling and acupuncture? Yes, many people benefit from both approaches. They work through different mechanisms and can complement each other.
Book Your Treatment
If you're interested in dry needling as part of your treatment plan, our team at M.O. Therapy in Markham can help.
Contact Us:
- Call (905) 201-5827
- Book online
- Direct billing available
Experience the difference that targeted treatment can make.