Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: The Difference

October 18, 2025
 
As a sports chiropractor, we often get asked: “What’s the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?” While both involve inserting thin needles into the body, their philosophy, purpose, and application are quite different.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique rooted in the concept of balancing energy flow (Qi) through meridians in the body. It’s used to treat a wide range of physical, emotional, and even systemic conditions. The focus is on restoring overall harmony and promoting healing across body systems. It can be used for pain, digestive issues, and even anxiety.

Dry needling, on the other hand, is a modern, evidence-based technique used primarily by physical therapists, chiropractors and other Western-trained clinicians. It targets myofascial trigger points—tight, knotted bands within muscles that can cause pain and restrict movement. The goal of dry needling is to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility. It's often used as part of a broader rehab plan. i.e. in addition to exercises.
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Think of it this way: acupuncture works through an Eastern medical lens focusing on energy flow and systemic health; dry needling works through a musculoskeletal lens, focusing on muscle dysfunction and pain relief.
Both techniques involve needles—but the reasoning, training, and outcomes sought are quite different. As chiropractors, we use dry needling to directly address movement dysfunctions and get patients back to doing what they love, faster and more effectively.