Dry needling is an increasingly popular therapeutic technique used for managing muscle pain and dysfunction. While often associated with acupuncture, dry needling is a distinct practice rooted in Western medicine, focusing specifically on soft tissue manipulation. Its regulation and scope of practice vary by state, creating different legal and professional landscapes depending on location and practitioner qualifications.
Although both dry needling and acupuncture involve the insertion of thin needles into the skin, their underlying principles and applications differ significantly. Acupuncture, grounded in traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on restoring the body’s energy flow (Qi) by stimulating specific meridian points. It is used for a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, and mental health concerns.
In contrast, dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique that targets muscle tissue, fascia, and tendons.
“Dry needling is commonly used for treating trigger points—tight knots within muscles that can cause pain and radiating discomfort,” says Melissa Engelson, DC, DHPE (’20), MS (’12), CSCS, DACBSP®, TSAC-F and assistant professor at Logan University. “Other than the philosophy, one of the main differences between these two practices is the depth of needle penetration.” Acupuncture needle depth typically remains within the superficial layers of the skin, while dry needling reaches deeper into soft tissues to address musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Many states require formal training in dry needling before allowing practitioners to incorporate it into patient care. Some states mandate up to 50 hours of instruction, while others have more flexible requirements. Chiropractic students often receive an introduction to dry needling as part of their education and must complete additional training hours, depending on what state they plan to practice in.
“At Logan, we now offer a dry needling elective, where our Doctor of Chiropractic students engage in hands-on training, learning to locate trigger points and effectively apply the technique,” says Dr. Engelson. “This elective consists of two courses, each 30 hours, and students are expected to practice and apply the techniques learned to ensure they develop the skills necessary for safe and effective treatment.”
For chiropractors, dry needling offers another valuable tool for addressing musculoskeletal pain. It complements manual therapy techniques, providing an efficient way to relieve muscle tension and improve patient outcomes. Many practitioners find that incorporating dry needling allows them to achieve results more quickly—what might take 10 minutes with manual pressure can often be accomplished in 10 seconds with a needle.
As dry needling becomes more mainstream, more physical therapists, athletic trainers, and chiropractors are integrating it into their practice. Proper training ensures that practitioners can safely and effectively offer this technique, enhancing their ability to provide comprehensive musculoskeletal care.