Why Dry Needling from an Acupuncturist is Superior!

Dry needling has gained popularity as a therapeutic method for treating muscle pain and tension. However, there’s an ongoing debate about who is best suited to perform the technique. While physical therapists (PTs), athletic trainers, and other providers, are often trained in dry needling, choosing a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) can offer numerous benefits that ensure a safer, more effective treatment. In this post, we’ll explore why receiving dry needling from a licensed acupuncturist is superior to undergoing the same procedure with other providers.

Extensive Training in Needle Therapy

Acupuncturists undergo rigorous and comprehensive education in needle techniques, including dry needling. Licensed acupuncturists typically complete over 3,000 hours of study, which includes in-depth training on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and, most importantly, needling techniques. Their education focuses specifically on how needles interact with various systems in the body, from muscles and other soft tissue, to organs, and even to meridians (energetic pathways).

In contrast, other providers often receive only a few weekend courses in dry needling, sometimes with as little as 20-30 hours of training. While they may be highly knowledgeable about anatomy and physical rehabilitation, they lack the specific and detailed experience with needling that acupuncturists acquire. This depth of training provides acupuncturists with greater precision, safety, and expertise when treating patients through needling.

Understanding of the Body

Licensed acupuncturists are trained in looking at the body holistically. Rather than simply targeting muscle knots or trigger points, acupuncturists use dry needling within a broader framework of treating the body as a whole. They consider factors like concurrent medical conditions, stress, energy, blood flow, and the balance between internal organs when assessing pain and tension. This holistic approach allows them to address the root causes of pain, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Other providers, while excellent at treating musculoskeletal issues, generally approach dry needling with a more reductionist view, focusing only on specific points of muscular tension. This can result in limited effectiveness when the underlying causes of pain are related to issues beyond just localized muscle knots.

Safety and Precision

The level of training and knowledge of acupuncture points and pathways makes treatments from an acupuncturist significantly safer. Licensed acupuncturists are well-versed in avoiding sensitive areas such as blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Their training teaches them how to handle the needle, ensuring precise placement and minimizing the risk of complications such as infections or punctures of delicate tissues.

Other providers, due to their limited needle training, may not always have the same precision or awareness of how the needle interacts with the body’s deeper structures. The risk of complications or adverse effects, such as infection or pneumothorax, can be higher with someone who lacks the same depth of needle experience.

Tailored Treatments for Long-Term Healing

Acupuncturists use dry needling as part of a larger therapeutic strategy. During a session, they may incorporate other techniques, such as cupping, herbal medicine, or moxibustion, to enhance the effects of needling and promote long-term healing. Their goal is to achieve long-term health and well-being.

On the other hand, other providers may see dry needling as just a standalone intervention. Without the added benefits of additional care, treatments may offer only temporary relief, requiring more frequent (and expensive) sessions to maintain results.

Regulation and Oversight

Licensed acupuncturists are governed by strict standards and licensing requirements, which ensures a higher level of competency and professionalism. To practice acupuncture legally, professionals must pass national certification exams and maintain their licenses through ongoing education. This strict regulation ensures that patients receive high-quality care.

Dry needling with other providers, however, operates under a more relaxed regulation system. In many states, other providers are allowed to practice dry needling with minimal oversight, potentially putting patients at risk if the therapist has not undergone adequate training.

Conclusion

While both other providers, like physical therapists and athletic trainers, and licensed acupuncturists, c

an offer dry needling, the expertise, training, and whole-person perspective that an LAc brings to the table make them a superior choice for those seeking effective, long-lasting relief. Acupuncturists’ extensive knowledge of needling techniques, coupled with their unique approach to the body, ensures that treatments are safer, more precise, and better suited for addressing both symptoms and the underlying causes of pain.

Questions about dry needling and techniques like it? Ask our licensed acupuncturist for their opinion any time! 651-232-6830