Your Guide to Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

Many Torontonians are searching for effective pain management solutions, and one technique that’s gaining significant traction is dry needling offered by our physiotherapists here at Core Wellness Centre.

At our multi-discipline clinic, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact dry needling can have on our patients. But we also know that there’s often confusion surrounding this treatment. What is dry needling, how does it differ from acupuncture? How can dry needling help my condition?

Read more and learn about the similarities and differences
between dry needling vs acupuncture.

If you are experiencing muscle pain that won’t go away, a persistent ache in your shoulder, a tight knot in your back, or a hamstring that doesn’t feel right after your weekend run, following is more information of dry needling and whether it might be the right choice for you.

Dry needling offers a range of potential benefits, including:

• Pain relief: Targeting and releasing trigger points to reduce muscle tension and alleviate discomfort
• Improved movement: Restoring normal muscle function and enhancing range of motion
• Faster recovery: Accelerating the healing process for injuries and chronic conditions

Acupuncture offers a range of potential benefits, including:

• Promotes natural healing: Stimulates the body’s energy flow to restore balance and enhance overall wellness
• Reduces pain: Alleviates chronic pain, headaches, and muscle tightness by improving circulation and calming the nervous system
• Supports stress relief: Encourages deep relaxation, reduces anxiety, and promotes better sleep through a holistic mind-body approach

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat muscle pain and stiffness. The “dry” in the name simply means that the needles used don’t inject any medication. Instead, the treatment relies on the insertion of thin, sterile needles to stimulate specific points in the body.

Here at Core Wellness Centre, we use solid, monofilament stainless steel needles of varying gauges, typically ranging from 0.25 to 0.30 millimeters in diameter,
comparable in thickness to human hair.

The Target: Trigger Points & Muscles

Dry needling primarily targets trigger points, which are those knots that develop in muscles and other soft tissues. Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots within a band of muscle that is painful when compressed, stretched, overloaded, or contracted.  It causes pain in a particular spot, or referred pain, that radiates to other areas, weak muscles and a difficulty in movement.

For example, a knot in your shoulder that sends pain up your neck and
gives you a headache, could likely be a trigger point.

The Goal of Dry Needling

The ultimate goal of dry needling acupuncture is to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve movement. By stimulating trigger points, the treatment aims to:

• Increase blood flow to the affected area
• Reduce muscle spasms
• Release endorphins (the body’s natural pain relievers)
• Restore normal muscle function

How Dry Needling Works

When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it stimulates the area, causing the muscle to twitch and release. This helps to break the cycle of pain and tension, restore normal muscle function, and reduce pain signals sent to the brain.

Think of it like hitting the “reset” button on a tight, overworked muscle.

While both dry needling and traditional acupuncture involve the use of needles, they are distinct practices with different origins, philosophies, and approaches.

Acupuncture: A Brief Overview

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”). In TCM, health is a state of balanced Qi flow, while disease and dysfunction result from interruptions or imbalances in this energy.

Acupuncture treatment involves inserting fine needles at specific acupoints along these meridian pathways to re-balance energy flow and promote the body’s natural healing ability. 

At Core Wellness Centre, we prioritize your comfort and safety. Here’s what you can expect during a typical dry needling session from our trained physiotherapists:

We Have a Qualified Practitioner:

Our practitioners are highly trained and certified in dry needling techniques. They have a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pain management.

The Initial Assessment:

Your first session will begin with a thorough assessment. Your practitioner will:

• Discuss your medical history and current symptoms
• Perform a physical examination to assess your posture, range of motion, and muscle function
• Palpate (feel) for trigger points and areas of muscle tension

The Treatment Process:

Once the assessment is complete, your practitioner will:

• Explain the treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
• Clean the skin with an antiseptic solution.
• Utilize thin, sterile needles into the identified trigger points.

You may feel a slight prick or ache as the needle is inserted. Some people experience a local twitch response (LTR), which is a brief, involuntary muscle contraction. This is a normal and often therapeutic response.

At times more needles may be used during a single session, depending on the extent of the area being treated.

After Treatment Expectations:

It’s normal to experience some soreness after dry needling. This soreness is usually mild and resolves within 24-48 hours. To minimize soreness, we recommend:

• Stretching the treated muscles
• Applying heat or ice to the area
• Staying hydrated

The number of sessions required for optimal results varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. However, many people experience significant improvement after just a few sessions.

Dry needling offers a wide range of potential benefits for various conditions:

• Pain Relief: Reduces muscle tension and pain associated with trigger points
• Improved Movement: Restores normal muscle function and range of motion
• Faster Recovery: Speeds up the healing process for injuries and chronic conditions
• Reduced Muscle Spasms: Alleviates muscle spasms and cramping.
• Enhanced Athletic Performance: Improves muscle flexibility, strength, and endurance
• Improved Circulation: Increases blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

If you’re experiencing muscle pain, limited movement, or are recovering from an injury, dry needling may be a beneficial treatment option for you.

Consult a Professional at Core Wellness Centre

The best way to determine if dry needling is right for you is to book an assessment with a qualified practitioner at Core Wellness Centre.

We can assess your condition, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve optimal results.

Core Wellness Centre is a multi-discipline clinic in Toronto offering chiropractic care, physiotherapy, cold laser therapy, shockwave therapy, RMT massage and spinal decompression.

Contact Core Wellness Centre today to schedule your initial appointment.

Phone: (416) 479 – 8311
Address: 726 St Clair Ave W, just west of Christie

We look forward to helping you on your journey to pain relief and improved wellness!