Dry Needling Acupuncture
For Pain Management

Dry needling is a subcategory of acupuncture for pain management, great for muscular and myofascial issues. Acupuncture needles are inserted into trigger points or tight bands of muscle to release tension, reduce inflammation and improve circulation to help muscles process metabolic wastes (i.e. lactic acid) and promote healing.

Not all acupuncturists are trained in this, though, as it is based in extensive knowledge of anatomical and neuromuscular principles, as opposed to the acupuncture meridians. Dr. Danny Geren, L.Ac. & Dr. Mackenzie, L.Ac. have done extensive doctoral training with various masters in the field and love helping patients get out of pain! However, for those looking for a Classical Chinese medicine approach to pain relief through the meridians, Kara Morton, L.Ac. gets fantastic results as well!

With that said, one of the most important distinctions in dry needling practice is the level of training. Dr. Danny & Dr. Mackenzie have done over 3,000 hours of supervised clinical training on top of their doctoral training in this specialty. On the other hand, in some states (not California) physical therapists / chiropractors are allowed to do dry needling. While their anatomical knowledge of musculature is great and they have their own modalities to help with pain relief, physical therapists / chiropractors typically receive only 20 to 100 hours of training in needling through short continuing education courses. This significant gap in training raises concerns about patient safety and efficacy when dry needling is performed by non-acupuncturists.

Efficacy and Benefits

Numerous studies support the efficacy of dry needling for various pain conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), fibromyalgia, and sports injuries. Dry needling can deactivate painful trigger points, improve range of motion, and reduce muscular stiffness. Research published in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy and other peer-reviewed sources shows that dry needling can significantly improve function and reduce the intensity of pain.

Patients often experience immediate relief or gradual improvement over a series of treatments. Unlike corticosteroid injections or long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs, dry needling offers a non-pharmacological, low-risk approach to pain management. It is not only beneficial for acute pain but also for chronic or stubborn musculoskeletal issues.