If you’ve been dealing with stubborn muscle tension, pain, or trigger points that just won’t release, you might have heard about dry needling or acupuncture as possible solutions. While both techniques use fine needles, their goals, origins, and methods are quite different. At our chiropractic office, we use both as part of a comprehensive approach to help restore movement, relieve pain, and support your body’s natural healing process.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique used by trained healthcare providers - including chiropractors - to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. The term “dry” simply means that nothing is injected; the therapy relies solely on the fine, sterile needle.
During treatment, the needle is inserted directly into a trigger point - a tight knot within a muscle that can cause pain locally or refer to other areas of the body. When the needle stimulates the trigger point, you may feel a brief muscle twitch. This response helps reset muscle function, improve blood flow, and decrease pain.
Dr. Kayla uses dry needling combined with chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to address both the symptom and the underlying cause of dysfunction.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focuses on balancing the body’s flow of energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”). Practitioners place needles at specific meridian points to restore energetic balance and promote overall wellness.
Dr. Michele uses acupuncture to support a wide range of conditions - chronic pain, stress, digestive issues, headaches, fertility support, and more. It’s a holistic approach that looks at the body’s internal systems, rather than focusing specifically on muscles or joints.
How Dry Needling Supports Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and nervous system function. However, when muscles are tight or contain trigger points, they can pull joints out of alignment or restrict normal movement.
Dry needling helps address these muscular issues directly - relaxing tight tissues and enhancing the effectiveness of your adjustments. Many patients find that combining dry needling with chiropractic treatment leads to faster recovery, improved mobility, and longer-lasting results.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
If you’re struggling with chronic muscle tension, back or neck pain, headaches, or restricted movement, dry needling may be an excellent addition to your chiropractic care plan. After a thorough evaluation, we’ll determine whether it’s appropriate for your specific condition and goals. Dry needling can be intense, this is because it targets very specific trigger points deep within the muscle. When the needle reaches that tight, knotted area, you might feel a quick, involuntary muscle twitch or a deep ache. This reaction is completely normal - and actually a good sign that the treatment is working. Mild soreness can occur for a day or two afterward, much like what you might feel after a workout, and can be eased with drinking water, gentle movement, and ice or heat.
The Bottom Line
While dry needling and acupuncture may look similar, they’re based on different philosophies. Dry needling is a muscle-focused technique designed to relieve pain and improve function, while acupuncture is a holistic practice rooted in energy balance and healing.
At our office, we use dry needling and acupuncture to complement your adjustments and help you move - and feel - your best. Ask about both at your next appointment to see if one may be right for you!
Dr. Kayla Walden
Contact Me
