Acupuncture and Dry Needling, that’s the same, isn’t it?
That’s the most common question we hear when we ask clients if they have had Dry Needling before.
My answer will always be the same:
- Yes, we use the same needles. Despite this fact, they are totally different treatments!
ACUPUNCTURE
It is based on the idea, that your body has energy channels (meridians), which can be blocked or disturbed. Those channels consists of acupuncture points. The needles are used to free those acupuncture points again, so your body is able to get its “life energy flow” back into a proper balance. During the treatment you might feel the sting of the needle and a heaviness, that is spreading throughout your body. To get the most out of a treatment rest after a session and drink lots of water.
DRY NEEDLING
It is specific for treating trigger points in your muscles. Trigger points are tiny hyperirritable knots in your muscles, which are caused by overusing your muscles, repetitive movements, injuries, strains or trauma.
The needles are used to release those trigger points so your muscle gets his normal range of motion, blood circulation and chemical composition back again. During the treatment you might feel the sting of the needle, a muscle cramping and then a twitch, which indicates that your trigger point has released his tension. After a Dry Needling treatment you might feel sore, as if you have done a workout with this muscle. This is a normal reaction caused by the toxic remains, which are floating through your body now.
Drink lots of water to support and help your body to flush them out.