Acupuncture / dry needling therapy

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

This question is best answered by saying “yes and no.” Dry needle therapy uses the same tools as acupuncture, but usually with a different goal in mind. 

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world and primarily focuses on affecting energy channels in the human body. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective in treating physical symptoms through a holistic approach to healing. 

Dry needle therapy is more focused on musculoskeletal problems. It uses acupuncture needles to stimulate blood flow to an injured area or an area of chronic pain. 

The chiropractic sports physicians at Premier Sports & Spine are board certified in dry needle and acupuncture. This allows the providers to take approaches from both disciplines and design a unique treatment protocol for each patient’s needs.

Why choose dry needling at Premier Sports & Spine versus a physical therapist?

In the state of Minnesota, physical therapists are allowed to perform dry needling as a therapy without requiring extensive training and experience; they are trained in a weekend seminar. Conversely, sports chiropractors are required to become board licensed in acupuncture before being allowed to utilize dry needling therapy for chiropractic care. This involves hundreds of hours of clinical training and passing a national board exam. Therefore, you can be confident that our doctors have been extensively trained in the nuances of dry needling and acupuncture therapy.

Does dry needling hurt?

Patient reaction to dry needling therapy varies widely. Many patients experience a mild cramping sensation at the needle site that can be mildly uncomfortable during the procedure. Other patients have complained of some discomfort for up to two days afterward. This varies depending on the patient’s condition and the areas that are treated.

Despite some discomfort during treatment, long-term outcomes of dry needling therapy mean patients feel an overall decrease in pain.