Dry needling vs acupuncture: What’s the difference and which is right for you?
If you’ve been looking for a way to ease pain, release tight muscles, or recover from injury, you might have come across two similar-looking treatments: dry needling and acupuncture.
At first glance, they both use very fine needles. But they’re actually very different in how they work, what they treat, and why they’re used.
At Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool, we offer dry needling as part of our physiotherapy services. It's especially helpful for muscle tightness, sports injuries, and long-term pain. Acupuncture, on the other hand, comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is used for a wide range of health concerns.
Here’s how to tell them apart and figure out which one might be right for you.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a treatment used by physiotherapists to reduce pain, release trigger points, and improve movement. The needles are placed directly into tight or overactive muscles to help them relax and reset.
It’s called “dry” because nothing is injected. The effect comes from the needle itself, which creates a small stimulus in the muscle. That can help calm down overactive nerves, improve circulation, and release tension.
Many people use dry needling for things like:
Neck or back pain
Shoulder tightness
Sports injuries
Headaches caused by muscle tension
Post-exercise soreness that won’t shift
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine. It’s based on the idea that the body has energy pathways, known as meridians. By placing fine needles into certain points on these pathways, acupuncture aims to restore balance and support natural healing.
While acupuncture can also help with pain, it’s often used more broadly for things like:
Stress and anxiety
Sleep problems
Hormonal balance
Headaches and migraines
General wellbeing
It’s a more holistic approach, focusing on energy flow and body balance, not just muscle function.
So what’s the difference?
Dry needling is focused on treating the muscles and nervous system. It’s used by physios and works well for musculoskeletal pain and movement issues. The goal is to release tension in specific muscles and improve how you move.
Acupuncture is broader in scope. It looks at the whole person and aims to treat internal imbalances that might be affecting your health.
The techniques look similar, but the reasons for using them - and how they work - are quite different.
Does dry needling hurt?
Some people feel a slight twitch or a deep ache when the needle hits a tight muscle. That’s usually a good sign, and the discomfort is brief. Most people describe it as unusual, not painful. You might feel a little sore afterwards, like you’ve had a deep massage, but it settles quickly.
Which one should I choose?
If your main problem is muscle tension, stiffness, or pain related to how you move, dry needling is likely to help. It works especially well alongside other physio treatments like hands-on therapy, rehab exercises, or sports massage.
If you're looking for support with general wellness, stress, or internal health concerns, acupuncture might be more suitable.
At Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool, we often include dry needling in treatment plans when pain is linked to muscle overload or stubborn tightness. It's one of several tools we use to help you move better and feel more comfortable.
Final thoughts
Dry needling and acupuncture may look similar on the surface, but they do very different jobs. If you’re dealing with muscle pain or a nagging injury, dry needling could make a real difference—especially when used as part of a personalised physio plan.
Want to give it a try? Book your dry needling session today at Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool and take the first step towards better movement and less pain.
