Dry Needling Vs Acupuncture
Both dry needling and acupuncture involve using very fine, one-use needles so it’s not hard to see why they get confused. They differ the most on why the needles are used, how points are selected, and what is accomplished by doing a treatment.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a whole-body therapy. After reviewing your symptoms and asking you different questions, professionals will assist each point of the body that needs to be done in order to achieve an equilibrium-effect. Acupuncture is commonly used for stress, sleep trouble, headaches and migraines, hormonal symptoms and digestion pain. Sessions are generally about an overall well-being and not always specific to one area of pain. For Acupuncture Gloucester, contact purelandsacu.co.uk/acupuncture-gloucester/
What is dry needling?
Dry needling treatment is most common for muscle pain and functionality impairments. It centres around the tender spots in muscles – muscle trigger points (the tight, sore “knots” that accompany therapeutic needs) – to decrease tension and promote better range of motion. This is often delivered by a physiotherapist and is generally targeted at the painful area only.
Does one hurt more?
Each might bring on some transient sensations of dull aching, heaviness or tingling but more commonly a sudden twitch in the muscle with dry needling. Acupuncture is likely to be done without you knowing, its relaxational methods mean you will not feel much going on, the dry needing can cause some intense sensations when in a tight area.
Which should you choose?
Dry needling, choose this option when your main objective is quick release of muscle for a specific injury or tightness.
If you want a more comprehensive view, acupuncture is the way to go (stress, sleep digestion hormones pain).
Biggest mistake: booking just on price or convenience. Find out what methods the practitioner has learned, uses or specialises in, who/what they treat most often, and realistic expectations for your concerns.
