Dry Needling or Acupuncture. Which one will work for my condition?

Posted on 17 December 2025
Dry Needling or Acupuncture. Which one will work for my condition?

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a musculoskeletal based treatment which is commonly associated with painful or tight muscles. This method involves the insertion of needles into tight or painful areas in muscles to target trigger points. Dry needling has been shown to decrease pain in patients with musculoskeletal conditions by relaxing the muscles, this therefore can allow you to move more comfortably and with less pain. It may be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic long-lasting pain, lower back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and tendinopathies. However, dry needling is not safe for those with a local infection, compromised immune system, vascular disease, currently pregnant or epileptic.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment that comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It also uses very thin needles but focuses on helping the whole body feel balanced. In acupuncture, needles are placed in special points on the body to help energy (called Qi) flow smoothly. Acupuncture may be effective for individuals experiencing pain and need a holistic approach to treatment to calm the body and aid healing and recovery. Sometimes the body can not start to heal unless you place the body in a calm state.

So, which one do I choose?

Both treatment methods aim to reduce pain and often provide relief from similar conditions, though they work through different underlying mechanisms. Depending on your symptoms, health history, and personal preference, one approach may be more suitable than the other—or they may be used together as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. At BodyFix, our experienced clinicians offer both dry needling and acupuncture and can guide you in choosing the most effective option for your individual needs. Our goal is to support your recovery, improve mobility, and help you return to the activities you enjoy with greater comfort and confidence