Dry Needling - FAQs

Expertly treating pain in the Fort Lee, NJ area

Dry needling vs. acupuncture — what’s the difference?

Dry needling isn’t the same as acupuncture. Both procedures involve penetrating your skin with needles. They use the same type of needles, but that’s where the similarities stop.

Different providers with different training perform dry needling. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is based on Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, postures, faulty movement patterns, and orthopedic testing.

Acupuncture treats musculoskeletal pain, but also treats other systems of your body. Dry needling treats muscle tissue to reduce pain, inactivating trigger points and improving movement. Typically, it’s used as part of a broader physical therapy approach that includes other physical therapy treatments.

Is dry needling legal in every state?

No, dry needling physical therapy is legal in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Dry needling is illegal in some states due to the laws that govern providers in those states.

Depending on the state, dry needling is performed by licensed physical therapists, athletic trainers, acupuncturists, chiropractors, or medical doctors who’ve been trained in the procedure.

A note from Ishitani Health Center

Dry needling is a safe, minimally painful, and often very effective technique for people with certain musculoskeletal conditions. Many people have found the treatment to be a game-changer in improving their quality of life. But make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before getting the treatment. While it’s considered safe, it’s invasive. Your provider may recommend more conservative treatments first.