What is the difference between medical acupuncture and dry needling?

What is a medical acupuncturist?

Listen to pronunciation. (AK-yoo-PUNK-cheh-rist) A person trained in acupuncture (therapy that uses thin needles inserted through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms). Acupuncture is a type of complementary and alternative medicine.

How does dry needling work?

With this technique, a provider inserts thin needles into or near your trigger points. The needles stimulate your muscles, which causes them to contract or twitch. This helps relieve pain and improve your range of motion.

Who should not do dry needling?

Dry needling is not for those with unmanaged blood-clotting or immune-system disorders. Plus, the American Physical Therapy Association does not recommend dry needling for children younger than 12. Always check with your medical provider or physical therapist if you have concerns.

Why do I feel worse after dry needling?

It is thought that post-needling soreness is a result of neuromuscular damage caused by the needle, as well as the body's hemorrhagic and inflammatory response to the procedure (1). Experts describe the pain as being similar to that experienced after a sports massage, or after intense exercise (2).

How much does dry needling cost?

Treatments can run anywhere from $40 to $100+ per session. Still, when you compare these costs to copays for pain medication and more invasive procedures, dry needling may be more cost-effective overall. Contact your insurance provider to find out if dry needling is covered, and what you need to submit a claim.

Why is dry needling illegal?

Opponents argue that dry needling may encroach upon the scope of practice of professions such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, leading to concerns about patient safety and competence.

Why do I feel sick after dry needling?

Systemic Effects: Dry needling can sometimes cause systemic effects such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness. This is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours.

Does insurance cover dry needling?

The good news is that some insurance plans do cover dry needling, but there are limitations to this coverage. The types of insurance that may cover dry needling include health insurance. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific plan and the reason for seeking treatment.

Does Medicare pay for dry needling?

Not all providers can give acupuncture, and Medicare can't directly pay Licensed Acupuncturists for their services. Medicare also doesn't cover acupuncture (including dry needling) for any condition other than chronic low back pain.

What is an alternative to dry needling?

There are several alternative treatments that may be more effective than dry needling, depending on your condition and preferences. Some of these alternatives include acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic care.

What happens when dry needling hits a nerve?

When a needle grazes or “hits” a nerve during dry needling, you might feel a quick, sharp sensation. It's often described as a zapping or shooting feeling that travels along the nerve pathway. This happens because nerves are essentially your body's electrical wiring—they're designed to send signals to your brain.

Who performs dry needling?

Dry needling is performed by physical therapists and licensed acupuncturists trained in the procedure. Certification requirements vary by state. Most people report minor or no discomfort during treatment.

What should you not do after dry needling?

Although doing simple stretching exercises is recommended after dry needling, it is also key not to overexert your muscles. Thus, avoid strenuous activities that can be taxing on the muscles, slowing down recovery and causing more soreness.

Does dry needling hurt more than acupuncture?

We believe the primary reason that some patients report dry needling hurts more than acupuncture is that dry needling is typically performed in response to a particular injury. As such, the dry needling is very localized to an injured joint or source of pain, and typically those areas are more sensitive by default.

What are the negatives of dry needling?

Although considered a safe procedure with very low risk of complications, dry needling can cause side effects at the insertion site, including: Muscle soreness. Bruising. Swelling.

Why is dry needling not allowed in California?

In California, this code explicitly excludes dry needling from the physical therapy scope of practice, primarily due to concerns about adequate training and safety. This restriction is supported by the California Board of Acupuncture and other professional bodies advocating for stringent standards​ (Kaman Law)​.

Who is a good candidate for dry needling?

Is dry needling a sham?

Based on the statistical significance and clinical effectiveness, the results of this randomized, parallel group, sham-controlled, double-blind, single center clinical trial suggest that trigger point dry needling in patients with CTTH is effective and safe in reducing headache frequency, intensity and duration, and ...

Why is dry needling illegal in New York?

In NY State, dry needling is considered an invasive procedure. At the time of writing this post (10/2024), only licensed acupuncturists and physicians with extensive training are legally allowed to perform it. Physical therapists and chiropractors cannot legally perform dry needling in NY.

Why do you need to drink water after dry needling?

Don't Forget to Hydrate

Skipping water after dry needling is a rookie mistake. The therapy helps release toxins stored in tight muscles, and staying hydrated ensures these toxins are flushed out of your system. Neglecting to drink enough water can leave you feeling sluggish, achy, or even nauseous.