Dry Needling vs Acupuncture – What’s the Difference?

When patients hear about dry needling or acupuncture, the first reaction is often: "Aren’t they the same thing?"While both techniques use fine needles inserted into the skin, their purpose, theory, and application are very different.

Let’s break it down simply.

🧠 Understanding the Basics

✅ What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern Western medicine technique used to target myofascial trigger points—those tight knots in your muscles that cause pain and restrict movement.At PROCURE Physiotherapy Clinic, dry needling is often recommended to:

• Release muscle tension

• Reduce chronic pain

• Improve joint range of motion

• Speed up recovery from injuries

It’s particularly effective for conditions like:

• Neck and back pain

• Tennis elbow

• Frozen shoulder

• Knee pain

• Sports injuries

Dry needling provides almost instant relief for many patients when done precisely and safely.

✅ What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focuses on restoring the body’s energy flow (Qi). Fine needles are inserted at specific meridian points to balance energy, support healing, and enhance internal organ function.

Dr. Vaishali Goyal, certified in both disciplines, uses acupuncture to treat:

• Headaches & migraines

• Stress & anxiety

• Hormonal imbalances

• Insomnia

• Digestive issues

• Chronic fatigue

Unlike dry needling, acupuncture has a systemic effect, working on the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

🎯 Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Dry Needling	Acupuncture
Origin	Western medicine	Traditional Chinese Medicine
Purpose	Release muscle tension & pain relief	Restore energy balance
Targets	Trigger points in muscles	Meridians (energy channels)
Treatment Focus	Localized areas of pain	Whole-body wellness
Conditions Treated	Musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries	Stress, internal imbalances, fatigue
Certification	Done by trained physiotherapists	Requires TCM training and certification

💡 When to Choose What?

At PROCURE Physiotherapy Clinic, Dr. Vaishali Goyal conducts a detailed evaluation to decide which therapy—or a combination of both—suits you best.

• Choose dry needling if you're struggling with tight muscles, movement restrictions, or chronic musculoskeletal pain.

• Opt for acupuncture if your concerns are more holistic, including sleep issues, hormonal imbalances, or emotional health.

  
  

🏥 Why Choose PROCURE?

With dual certification in Dry Needling and Acupuncture, Dr. Vaishali Goyal ensures that:

• The right technique is selected for your condition

• Safety and hygiene are top priority

• You feel comfortable and supported throughout the process

  
  

📍Located in Dwarka, PROCURE Physiotherapy Clinic is committed to personalized, evidence-based care.📞 Call us: +91-9871750690🌐 www.drvaishaligoyal.com