Let me tell you something: when I first heard about needles being used to treat pain, I thought, “Hard pass!”
But after decades of experience in the chiropractic world, I’ve come to appreciate just how powerful these tiny tools can be as part of other treatment protocols.
Unfortunately there are not enough high quality high quality studies published in peer reviewed journal for the UK Advertising Standards Agency to allow me to talk about my positive personal experiences with classical Chinese acupuncture or the many anecdotal reports I have heard for some conditions. So, acupuncture profession, get out there and do the much more published research.
Acupuncture: An Ancient Art That’s Stood the Test of Time
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is like the original needle therapy. It’s been around for over 2,000 years and is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The idea is simple: your body has an energy flow, called qi (pronounced “chee”), that travels along pathways called meridians. If that flow gets blocked, you can feel pain, stress, or imbalance. Acupuncture helps restore balance by inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.
Now, here’s where East meets West: Using the same thin western practitioners of dry needling find most of the same points as traditional Chinese acupuncture as areas that can stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue to kickstart the body’s natural healing process. Pretty amazing, right?
Why I Recommend Acupuncture
People often ask me, “Does acupuncture really work?” My answer: absolutely, I believe it does.
Unfortunately there are not enough high quality high quality studies published in peer reviewed journal for the UK Advertising Standards Agency to allow me to talk about my own positive personal experiences with classical Chinese acupuncture, or the many anecdotal reports I have heard for some conditions.
The ASA has ruled that the following claims are likely to be acceptable.
- Short-term improvement in the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (through electro-acupuncture at the SP6 point)
- Short-term relief of tension type headaches
- Short-term relief of migraine headache
- Short-term relief of chronic low back pain
- Short-term relief of neck pain or chronic neck pain
- Short-term relief from temporomandibular (TMD/TMJ) pain
- Temporary adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain
So, acupuncture profession, get out there and get much more published research.
How It Works
When you get acupuncture, thin needles are inserted through your skin and left in place for about 15–30 minutes. Your acupuncturist might twist or gently stimulate the needles to enhance the effects. Sometimes, they’ll combine it with techniques like moxibustion (burning herbs near the skin) or cupping (those little suction cups athletes love).
And don’t worry—licensed acupuncturists use sterile, disposable needles, so the risk of infection is low.
Dry Needling: The Modern Muscle Fix
What Is Dry Needling?
Think of dry needling as acupuncture’s western science-based sibling. Unlike acupuncture, which focuses on balancing energy flow, dry needling zeroes in on tight, painful spots in your muscles called myofascial trigger points. These are the tight knots in muscle and connective issue that can cause local pain, mess with your range of motion and even cause referred pain that is easily mistaken for more serious conditions.
In the UK, regulated healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and some medical doctors may incorporate dry needling into their treatments. Dry needling involves the insertion of the same fine needles as acupuncture into trigger points to alleviate muscle pain and tension. While effective, the technique carries the same small risks as acupuncture , including bruising, infection, nerve injury, or, rarely, pneumothorax. Practitioners must be properly trained and adhere to high hygiene and safety standards.
The Types of Dry Needling
As part of treatment protocols dry needling can be tailored to your needs:
- Superficial Dry Needling: Focuses on areas just below the skin, great for mild tension.
- Deep Dry Needling: Targets deep muscle fibers and subcutaneous tissue, ideal for chronic pain and tightness.
You might feel a quick twitch when the needle hits the trigger point—that’s called a local twitch response, and it’s a sign the treatment is doing its thing.
Why I Recommend Dry Needling
Here’s what makes dry needling a must-try as part of treatment protocols for some people:
- Pain relief: Whether it’s a minor sports injury or everyday discomfort, this can help.
- Improved movement: Releasing tight muscles can restore your range of motion.
- Healing boost: It increases blood flow to promote recovery and reduce inflammation.
It’s a simple yet effective tool, especially when combined with other chiropractic, osteopathy or physical therapy treatments.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: How Are They Different?
You’re probably wondering, “Aren’t these the same thing?” Nope! Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Acupuncture | Dry Needling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Western anatomy based | |
| Focus | Balancing energy flow (qi) | Releasing muscle tension (trigger points) | |
| Practitioners | PSA recognised association | Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physios | |
| Conditions Treated | see above | Mostly muscular pain patterns |
Can You Combine Them?
Absolutely! I’ve seen amazing results when patients combine both acupuncture and dry needling. Together, they’re a powerful duo.
How to Choose the Right Practitioner
Acupuncture
In the UK, several acupuncture associations are recognized by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) through its Accredited Registers program. These associations typically require their members to hold professional indemnity insurance. Notable associations include:
British Acupuncture Council (BAcC): As the UK’s largest self-regulatory body for traditional acupuncture practitioners, BAcC is accredited by the PSA. Membership benefits include professional insurance and adherence to high standards of practice.
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC): The CNHC is a voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners, including acupuncturists, and holds PSA accreditation. Practitioners registered with CNHC are required to have professional indemnity insurance.
For the most current information on accredited registers and recognized associations, you can consult the PSA’s official website.
Dry Needling
Ensure you choose a qualified and regulated professional. In the UK, the regulation of chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists is handled by distinct statutory regulatory bodies:
- Chiropractors
- Regulator: General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
- The GCC regulates chiropractors to ensure high standards of practice, education, and professional conduct. Chiropractors must be registered with the GCC to legally practice in the UK.
- Osteopaths
- Regulator: General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
- The GOsC oversees the registration, education, and conduct of osteopaths, ensuring they meet strict professional standards. Only GOsC-registered osteopaths can legally practice in the UK.
- Physiotherapists
- Regulator: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- The HCPC regulates physiotherapists (as well as other healthcare professions) to protect the public by ensuring professionals are competent and adhere to ethical and professional standards.
Final Thoughts
Needles might sound intimidating, but trust me, they’re worth it. Both acupuncture and dry needling treatments offer effective, drug-free ways to tackle pain, tension, and movement issues. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, muscle pain, or just want to move better, one of these therapies can help.
If you’re not sure which one’s right for you, let’s talk! As someone who’s seen the benefits first hand, I’d love to help you explore your options.
