Acupuncture & Dry Needling Therapy

How do Dry Needling and Acupuncture Differ from Each Other?

Dry Needling and Acupuncture are two forms of Regenerative Medicine that involve the use of the same needles to treat pain. While both practices have similar goals to relieve pain by relaxing tight muscles they differ in how they achieve this goal.

Dry needling involves the insertion of special needles at specific trigger points to release tension and induce a healing response. 

Acupuncture, on the other hand, uses thin needles along meridian lines representing bodily organs to restore energy balance and proper healing to the patient's body. 

At Utah Spine & Sport, We offer both Dry Needling and Acupuncture and have found a certain combination of the two yields even better results than either one individually.

Acupuncture Therapy

What is Acupuncture & Dry Needling?

Acupuncture and Dry Needling are alternative medical practices that use thin needles to treat various physical and emotional conditions.

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that aims to balance the flow of energy, or Qi, in the body. Practitioners insert needles into specific points along meridians, or pathways, that run through the body to treat various conditions.

Dry Needling, on the other hand, is a Western medical treatment used by physical therapists and other healthcare providers to treat muscle pain and trigger points. The practitioner uses a thin needle to penetrate the skin and target specific trigger points in the muscle tissue to release tension and improve function.

Both techniques involve the use of needles, but the theories, techniques, and objectives of Dry Needling and Acupuncture are distinct.

Acupuncture/Dry Needling is considered safe when done by a certified and qualified professional.

How Does Acupuncture & Dry Needling Work?

Acupuncture & Dry Needling consists of inserting small needles into specific sites along a network of damaged tissues (tendons, muscles, trigger points, fascia, etc) to stimulate the body to flood the area with reparative chemicals (such as stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, collagen, etc.) within those tissues. Naturally speeding up pain relief and injury repair. During an acupuncture/Dry Needling session, you may experience a brief pinch or burning sensation, as well as some muscle cramping. After the treatment, you may feel some immediate relief, but it's common to have some aches and soreness that could last up to a day or two. To aid your recovery, it's recommended to drink plenty of water and consider taking omega 3 supplements.

What conditions can be Treated with Acupuncture/Dry Needling?

Both acupuncture and dry needling have been found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Chronic Pain Conditions: such as low back pain, neck pain, and headaches
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions: such as arthritis, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Neurological Conditions: such as migraines, sciatica, and peripheral neuropathy
  • Digestive Disorders: such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux
  • Respiratory Condition: such as asthma and sinusitis
  • Psychological Conditions: such as anxiety and depression.

Note* It's important to note that individual results may vary, and both acupuncture and dry needling should be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.

Acupuncture and Dry Needling Therapy in Utah

For the best results with acupuncture and dry needling, it's recommended to speak with a licensed practitioner. At Utah Spine and Sports, we take a personalized approach and assess your unique needs to determine the best treatment plan for you. If you're ready to experience the potential benefits of these alternative therapies, give us a call 801-709-9797 or schedule an online appointment with Utah Spine and Sports to start your journey towards better health and wellness.