Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling - What’s The Difference?

At first glance, acupuncture and dry needling may look the same. Both can treat pain. And both use needles.

But the two treatments have a very different approach.

Here we share the difference between acupuncture and dry needling and what you need to know about each method.

What is dry needling and who is it for?

Dry needling sometimes referred to as intramuscular stimulation, is a modern practice used to ease muscular pain. Thin needles are inserted into ‘trigger points’ within the muscle to stimulate a twitch response and release tension. This can release cramping and also help flexibility, however it can also be a painful experience.

Dry needling: side effects and risks

Because of the way the needles are inserted into the patient’s muscles, dry needling can cause a number of mild side effects including bruising, bleeding, and temporary soreness.

Practitioners must also ensure they use sterile needles that are disposed of after each use to avoid infection and diseases.

Who does dry needling help?

Dry needling is often used by physical therapists and sometimes by acupuncturists to address muscle pain and movement-related issues. In Arizona, physical therapists and athletic trainers must meet specific training and competency standards before performing it, while acupuncturists are already licensed through a separate state board with extensive education requirements. That said, the amount of training can vary depending on the practitioner’s background. If you’re considering dry needling, it’s a good idea to ask about your provider’s experience, training, and patient outcomes to ensure you’re in safe hands.

Are acupuncture and dry needling the same thing?

Acupuncture and dry needling both use very fine, hair-thin needles, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is a modern technique most often used by physical therapists and athletic trainers to release muscle tightness or trigger points. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is a traditional system of medicine that’s been practiced for thousands of years and is rooted in Chinese medical theory, focusing on restoring balance and promoting whole-body health.

While both can cause a sensation when the needle is inserted, patients generally find acupuncture to be gentle and calming, whereas dry needling is often described as more intense or uncomfortable.

Another key difference is in training. In Arizona, physical therapists and athletic trainers must meet specific competency and training standards before performing dry needling. Licensed acupuncturists, however, complete a comprehensive 3–4 year master’s degree program with over 1,800 hours of training, pass national board exams, obtain state licensure, and pursue ongoing continuing education each year to maintain their license.

Acupuncture vs dry needling: the treatment

A key difference between acupuncture and dry needling is how the needles are used.

Dry needling is most often performed by physical therapists or athletic trainers. It targets muscle knots (trigger points) by inserting fine needles directly into tense areas. The goal is to release muscle tightness and improve mobility. Techniques can vary, such as leaving the needles in place for several minutes or briefly moving them in and out (“pistoning”).

Acupuncture, by contrast, is a licensed medical practice that uses the same type of fine needles but applies them in a broader, whole-body approach. Modern research shows that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and encourages the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins. Acupuncturists may treat the area of pain directly, or they may place needles in other areas of the body shown to influence the patient’s condition. Some points may be gently stimulated during the treatment, depending on the individual’s needs.

At our practice, we provide traditional acupuncture treatments but will also target trigger points when it is clinically appropriate for the patient. This allows us to combine a whole-body healing approach with precise muscle release when needed.

What can acupuncture and dry needling treat?

It also treats a wider variety of symptoms. Rather than just muscle pain and cramping, acupuncture can heal tension elsewhere in the body, such as headaches and arthritis, as well as other health issues including any of the below:

• Migraines and headaches

• Fertility and women’s health

• Nausea and vomiting

• Menstrual cramps

• Allergies

• Sleep problems

• Mental health and anxiety

• Pregnancy symptoms

Do acupuncture and dry needling actually work?

When it comes to research, acupuncture currently has a stronger evidence base than dry needling.

Dry needling has shown some short-term benefits for muscle tightness and pain, but studies are mixed. For example, some research suggests it offers little more benefit than other physical therapy techniques such as stretching or exercise. Because it’s a relatively new practice, long-term outcomes are not yet well established.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, has been studied extensively in large clinical trials. Research shows it can provide long-lasting relief for chronic pain conditions, with effects lasting 12 months or more after ongoing treatment. Other studies have found acupuncture reduces the severity of depression, and provides significant, sustained benefits for patients with migraines and tension headaches.

In short: while dry needling may provide temporary relief for muscle-related issues, acupuncture has broader applications and a stronger track record in scientific research.

"Dry needling is where I learned needles aren't so bad. One of my clients, my physical therapist, and my doctor all recommended acupuncture over dry needling me. Acupuncture was a game-changer. There were huge differences between dry needling and acupuncture where my healing really changed. The results I got from acupuncture changed my life!" - George U

Acupuncture vs dry needling: which option is best for you?

If you are already working with a physical therapist for a muscle-related injury and they have completed the required training, dry needling may be offered as part of your care plan. It can sometimes help with short-term muscle tightness and pain.

Acupuncture, however, is a licensed medical practice with a much broader range of applications. Beyond pain relief, acupuncture is supported by research for conditions such as migraines, chronic stress, insomnia, digestive issues, and more. Many patients also describe acupuncture as a gentler, more relaxing experience compared to dry needling. That relaxation response is important — it helps activate your body’s natural healing processes and can make treatments more effective.

If dry needling hasn’t fully addressed your aches and pains, it doesn’t mean acupuncture won’t work for you. At Scottsdale Family Acupuncture, we’ve helped many patients who tried dry needling first but found more lasting relief with acupuncture.

Find out more about our acupuncture services and get in touch today to start healing the problems that are holding you back.

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