Are acupuncture and dry needling the same thing? The short answer is no. Both treatments use tiny needles to help with pain and tension. But that’s where their similarities end. The two therapies come from different origins and have different goals and benefits. So if you’re new to these treatments and curious what sets them apart, read on. We’ll break down the key differences between acupuncture vs. dry needling so you can tell which one is right for you.

What is Acupuncture in Orland Park & Chicago, IL?

Acupuncture is a healing method that started in China nearly 3,000 years ago.¹ Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this ancient technique is a popular treatment for pain, stress, and many other health issues. Here’s how it works.

According to TCM, the body has 12 main energetic pathways, known as meridians. Health and well-being depend on how freely energy, or Chi (pronounced “chee”), flows through these channels. If these pathways become blocked or unbalanced, pain or illness may result.

Acupuncture’s goal is to restore the flow of energy to promote healing. During a session, thin needles are placed in specific points along the body’s energetic meridians. This stimulates the muscles and nerves to help bring the body back into balance. To learn more about acupuncture, check out this article.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a newer, Western technique that emerged in the 1940s.² It’s also known as intramuscular stimulation, or dry needle therapy. Rather than focusing on the body’s energy meridians, it centers on muscle physiology.

Dry needling’s main goal? To target myofascial trigger points: tight knots in the muscles and connective tissues that can cause pain and limit movement. During dry needle treatment, thin needles are inserted directly into these trigger points. This is meant to increase blood flow to the area to reduce pain and tightness.

Often, people experience a muscle twitch response during dry needling sessions. This can help the muscle relax and is a sign that the treatment is working. Unlike trigger point injections, liquid medications are not injected. Hence the name “dry” needling.

Dry needling is used most often for sports injuries, muscle stiffness, and chronic tension. It’s rarely used solo and is almost always part of a larger pain management plan.

Similarities Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Shows an acupuncturist in the chicago area inserting a needle. Represents how holistic acupuncture orland park, il aims to help clients in many ways.

Even though dry needling and acupuncture come from different traditions, they do share some things in common. For starters, they both use the same type of thin, stainless-steel needles (monofilament needles).³ Aside from that, both are natural, minimally invasive therapies that can help relieve pain.

But that’s where the overlap ends. Once you look past the tools, acupuncture and dry needling have different goals, methods, and benefits.

Differences Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Curious how acupuncture and dry needling stack up against each other? Here are some of their key differences:

Main goal

As mentioned earlier, acupuncture’s aim is to balance the flow of energy in the body, or Qi. This promotes healing and often helps ease pain and discomfort. Studies show acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain.⁴ Yet it can help with a wide range of health issues, apart from pain relief.

Dry needling, on the other hand, focuses solely on reducing pain and improving movement. It does this by releasing tight knots in the body’s muscles and connective tissues, known as trigger points.

Needle placement

Shows a professional inserting a needle into their clients hand for acupuncture in orland park, il. Represents how holistic acupuncture orland park, il can help with a variety of health concerns.

In acupuncture, needles are placed at specific points (aka “acupoints”) along the body’s energetic meridians. However, these points don’t always match the exact location of the symptom. For example, a needle might be placed in the web of the hand to help with back pain.

With dry needling, needle placement is more clear-cut. The needle goes straight into the trigger point or tight muscle that’s causing the discomfort.

How long needles stay in

During acupuncture, needles usually stay in place for 30-45 minutes while the patient relaxes. Yet the exact treatment time varies depending on the practitioner and the condition being treated.

In dry needling, needles typically only stay in for a few minutes. In some cases, they may only stay inserted for 10-15 seconds! However, certain conditions may require a longer treatment time (up to 20 minutes).

Benefits

Both treatments use thin, hairlike needles, so pain is usually minimal. However, since the needles go deeper with dry needling, it can feel more intense. Many patients feel a quick twitch or cramp as the trigger points release. Acupuncture tends to be gentler and may lead to warm, tingling sensations.

Shows an acupuncturist in the chicago area inserting a needle into the client's stomach. Represents how a functional medicine doctor in the chicago area can also provide acupuncture.

Acupuncture boasts a much wider range of benefits compared to dry needling. Research shows it triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin while calming the body’s stress response.^5,6,7 This makes it a helpful tool for a whole host of issues, including pain, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, fertility, and even weight loss.

Dry needling has a more targeted focus. It increases blood flow to muscles and relaxes trigger points that can restrict movement.^8,9 This makes it a popular treatment for sports injuries to ease muscle tension and improve mobility.

Which is more painful?

Who performs treatment?

Acupuncture is performed by acupuncturists, chiropractors, or doctors who have specialized training. Practitioners must complete years of education and pass national or state board exams before becoming licensed.

Dry needling, on the other hand, is usually performed by physical therapists. Licensing rules vary widely from state to state. Dry needling is even illegal in some states due to safety concerns. This is why many patients hear mixed messages about who can perform it. To learn if dry needling is allowed in your state, check out this chart.

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: Choosing the Best Option

So which treatment is a better fit for you? It depends on your goals.

If you’re looking for relief from a specific sports injury or a tight muscle that just won’t relax, dry needling may be helpful. It’s ideal for short-term relief and usually works best as part of a larger pain management plan.

Because acupuncture looks at the whole body, it can be a better choice for people dealing with chronic conditions or multiple symptoms. It’s shown to help with headaches, digestive issues, sleep problems, and even pregnancy symptoms. This makes acupuncture a better fit for more complex cases.

The takeaway? Both therapies can help ease pain. But acupuncture’s holistic approach makes it a great option if you’re looking for broader benefits beyond muscle relief.

Relieve Pain Naturally with Acupuncture in Orland Park & Chicago, IL

If you’re living with pain, you know how it can take a toll on your daily life. While dry needling can help with tight muscles, acupuncture takes it a step further. It offers a safe, natural way to relieve pain, calm stress, and support whole-body health.

That’s why we’re proud to offer acupuncture at Anchored in Health. Our certified acupuncturist in Orland Park has been helping patients across the Chicago area find pain relief for over 20 years. Whether you’re dealing with low back pain, shoulder pain, or headaches, we’re here for you.

Ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture for yourself? Here’s how to get started:

Contact us with questions.
Book your first acupuncture treatment at our Orland Park office here.
Discover how acupuncture can help ease pain and restore balance to your body.

Other Holistic Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL

At Anchored in Health, we believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. That’s why, in addition to acupuncture, we offer chiropractic care, functional medicine, massage therap,y and the Shape ReClaimed program. Our clinic also provides thermography, genetic testing, and Vibrant Wellness testing to get to the root of stubborn health issues.

Whether you’re in Orland Park or the greater Chicago area, we’re here to help you feel your best. Reach out today to learn more about how our holistic services can benefit your health.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Anchored In Health or any of its practitioners. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: How They Compare