Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: What’s the Real Difference?
- Dr. Jacintha "Jaz" Roemer
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
By Dr. Jacintha “Jaz” Roemer, DACM, L.Ac.
With more people seeking relief from muscle pain, athletic injuries, or postural tension, you’ve probably heard the term “dry needling” being tossed around — especially by physical therapists.
So what’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture, really? Is one better than the other? Are they even different? And how do you decide what’s right for your body?
Let’s break it down — with some real talk, clinical insight, and a deeper look at what’s really going on under the surface.
What’s Kind of Training Background is Needed?
I hold both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. That’s over 3,000 hours of hands-on training, clinical experience, and in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, needling technique, and the energetic systems of the body.
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize:
Dry needling is acupuncture. It’s orthopedic-style acupuncture focused on muscles and trigger points.
The term “dry needling” was created for legal and political reasons, allowing physical therapists (PTs) and chiropractors to use acupuncture needles without calling it acupuncture. Most PTs offering dry needling receive as little as 20 hours of training. That’s a huge difference in both scope and safety.
The Main Difference (Explained Without Jargon)
If someone asked me in simple terms:
Dry needling is focused on specific muscles — great for tight shoulders or pain from sports injuries.
Acupuncture treats your whole body systemically — while also relieving pain, it addresses the why behind it.
That’s the core difference.
As an acupuncturist trained in both orthopedic and classical acupuncture, I absolutely use musculoskeletal techniques when appropriate. But I’m also looking at your nervous system, digestion, stress patterns, and energy flow. You’re not just a tight hamstring — you’re a whole person.
Why TCM Looks at the Whole Body (and Why It Works)
When you roll an ankle or tweak your shoulder in pickleball or golf, yes — we can needle the local area. That’s the branch of the issue.
But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we also ask: Why did that injury happen? Is your Liver Qi stagnated? Are your muscles tight from stress? Is your digestion throwing off your whole system?
We’re trained to trace the pain from branch to root — and treat both.
That’s why acupuncture often creates more lasting, whole-body relief, compared to a quick fix.
Real Talk: What Patients Say After Trying Dry Needling
Yes — I’ve treated many patients who tried dry needling before coming to me.
Usually, it was done by a PT treating athletes at a university. The feedback I hear?
“It hurt. It felt aggressive. It didn’t relax me. And the pain came back.”
Once they receive a treatment rooted in TCM — using acupuncture, manual therapy, abdominal massage, and calming nervous system support — the shift is often immediate:
The pain goes away, yes.
But they also feel relief, relaxation, and better overall function.
That’s because I’m not just chasing tight muscles — I’m helping your body heal from the inside out.
Long-Term Relief: Acupuncture = Whole Body Reset
Dry needling may resolve tight muscles in the short term, but it doesn’t address the rest of the system.
With acupuncture, we’re looking at:
Why the tension is recurring
What internal systems are contributing
How to balance the nervous system to support full recovery
I’ve had countless patients come in for a single musculoskeletal complaint… and end up resolving long-standing digestion issues, PMS, anxiety, or sleep problems.
That’s the power of treating the whole body.
Case Study: From Sore to Stronger
I’ve treated collegiate athletes — soccer, basketball, swimmers, volleyball, golfers — who were used to dry needling as part of their PT protocol. Their experience?
“It was quick. It hurt. Sometimes it helped, sometimes not.”
Once they switched to acupuncture — where we incorporate gentle needling, massage, herbal support, and breathwork — the results went deeper.
Faster recovery
Fewer flare-ups
Improved performance
And most of all: they felt better as a whole person.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
It can be — if it’s done by someone with deep training in anatomy and needle technique.
But unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
One Olympic athlete suffered a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) after dry needling over the chest area — performed by someone who wasn’t fully trained in needling depth or safety zones.
Acupuncturists are trained extensively in clean needle technique, anatomy, and safety protocols. It’s not just about sticking a needle into a muscle — it’s about knowing how, where, and why.
Treating More Than Just Muscles
Dry needling targets muscle pain. That’s it.
But acupuncture looks at the nervous system, emotional body, and digestive health, too.
For example:
Chronic stress = tight traps
Emotional repression = digestive tension
Gut issues = hip and psoas tightness
Your body holds everything — not just pain, but emotion and energy. Acupuncture can help it all release.
Do I Use Trigger Point Needling?
Yes — sometimes.
I use motor point acupuncture and orthopedic techniques as part of a broader, individualized treatment plan.
But I never reduce a patient to one joint or muscle. You’re not just a shoulder or a hamstring. I always layer in classical acupuncture, breathwork, massage, or herbal recommendations as needed to support your entire system.
Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Here’s my philosophy:
“You’re not just an elbow. You’re a whole person. All of you matters.”
Dry needling can help — but if you want relief that addresses your body, mind, and spirit, acupuncture is where that journey begins.
Let’s get you moving better, feeling better, and living fully — from the inside out.
Want to learn more?
Book a Dry Needling Session or Acupuncture session or Medical Abdominal Massage (Chi Nei Tsang)
Browse my online digital classes
Not sure where to start? Book a free Discovery Call
Comparison Chart: Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
Feature | Acupuncture | Dry Needling |
Training Required | 3,000+ hours, licensed & board-certified | 20–50 hours (PT certification course) |
Focus Area | Whole-body balance, organ systems, nervous system + muscles | Localized muscular pain/trigger points |
Approach | Treats root & branch; includes emotion, digestion, energy | Treats symptoms (typically muscle tension only) |
Systems Used | TCM theory: Qi, meridians, 5 elements, organ pairs | Western anatomy & trigger point theory |
Tools Included | Needling + herbs, massage, lifestyle, nutrition | Needles only |
Side Effects | Minimal; very low risk with licensed provider | Higher risk if performed by untrained hands (e.g., lung puncture) |
Patient Experience | Relaxing, systemic, gentle | Often painful, sharp, aggressive |
Best For | Pain, digestion, sleep, stress, hormone imbalance, recovery | Musculoskeletal pain & tension |
Practitioner Perspective | Root-cause detective, energy-focused | Muscular-mechanical fix |
FAQ About Dry Needling
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
Technically yes — dry needling uses acupuncture needles. But dry needling focuses only on muscles, while acupuncture treats the whole body, including emotional and energetic patterns.
Is one better than the other?
It depends on your goal. For short-term muscle relief, dry needling can help. But for long-term healing, stress relief, and full-body support, acupuncture is more comprehensive.
Is acupuncture painful like dry needling?
Not at all. Acupuncture is usually calming and gentle. Many patients actually fall asleep during treatment!
Can you treat the same musculoskeletal issues?
Absolutely. I use orthopedic and motor point acupuncture to address tight muscles, pain, and injury — but I also support the nervous system, digestion, and energy balance.
Why does training matter?
Licensed acupuncturists undergo thousands of hours of needle training. Many dry needling courses are 20–50 hours long — which increases the risk of injury in untrained hands.
📍 Visit Us in San Diego — Or Start Your Healing Journey Online
Find Dr. Jaz at San Diego Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture, located in the heart of Hillcrest and proudly serve the greater San Diego area including North Park, Mission Hills, Downtown, University Heights, and Mission Valley — as well as extended communities like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and South Park.
🌎 Not local? We also support clients worldwide through online consultations, classes, and wellness programs.
Whether you're seeking relief from pain, digestive support, or hormonal balance — or simply want to feel more like yourself again — we're here to help.
🌀 Book a session or explore our online offerings at:👉 www.jazhandsmassageandacu.com
Comments