--- title: The Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture description: Wondering about the difference between dry needling and acupuncture? Learn how each works, their benefits, and which one might be right for your recovery. image: https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hubfs/Patch%202024/image-2.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/#main-content) [![Steady State Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-long-blue-2.png?width=2000&height=503&name=logo-long-blue-2.png)](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/) - [Services](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) Show submenu for Services - [Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-physical-therapy) - [Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy) - [Virtual Running PT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/virtual-running-physical-therapy) - [Crossfit Rehab](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/crossfit) - [Dry Needling](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/dry-needling) - [Equipment Room](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/equipment-room) - [Normatec Compression Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/normatec-compression-therapy) - [Durable Runners Strength Class](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/durable-runners-strength-class) - [Contact](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) - [We're Hiring](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/careers) - About Show submenu for About - [Meet Our Team](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/meet-our-team) - [Our Story](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/our-story) - [What is Cash Based?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/what-is-cash-based) - Resources by Steady State Show submenu for Resources by Steady State - [Active Maine Blog](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog) - [Community Events](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/community-events) - [Youth Athlete Scholarship](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/youth-athlete-financial-scholarship) - [Find Your Steady State run training app](https://steadystate.fit/) - [Heat Adjusted Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/heat-adjusted-pace-calculator) - [Backyard Ultra Live Timer app](https://backyardultralive.com/) - [Back Cove Backyard Ultra race](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=141589) - [No Chip Timing app](https://nochiptiming.com/) - [Baxter State Park walkable map](https://keltoncullenberg.github.io/baxter-state-park/) - [Maine Distance Project](https://www.mainedistanceproject.com/) - [All running calculators and tools](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-calculators-and-tools) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Services](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) Show submenu for Services - [Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-physical-therapy) - [Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy) - [Virtual Running PT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/virtual-running-physical-therapy) - [Crossfit Rehab](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/crossfit) - [Dry Needling](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/dry-needling) - [Equipment Room](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/equipment-room) - [Normatec Compression Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/normatec-compression-therapy) - [Durable Runners Strength Class](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/durable-runners-strength-class) - [Contact](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) - [We're Hiring](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/careers) - About Show submenu for About - [Meet Our Team](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/meet-our-team) - [Our Story](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/our-story) - [What is Cash Based?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/what-is-cash-based) - Resources by Steady State Show submenu for Resources by Steady State - [Active Maine Blog](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog) - [Community Events](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/community-events) - [Youth Athlete Scholarship](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/youth-athlete-financial-scholarship) - [Find Your Steady State run training app](https://steadystate.fit/) - [Heat Adjusted Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/heat-adjusted-pace-calculator) - [Backyard Ultra Live Timer app](https://backyardultralive.com/) - [Back Cove Backyard Ultra race](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=141589) - [No Chip Timing app](https://nochiptiming.com/) - [Baxter State Park walkable map](https://keltoncullenberg.github.io/baxter-state-park/) - [Maine Distance Project](https://www.mainedistanceproject.com/) - [All running calculators and tools](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-calculators-and-tools) - [Book Now](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) [Book Now](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) May 16, 2025, 7:07:41 PM # Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: What’s the Difference? ![Picture of Dr. Kelton Cullenberg, PT, DPT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-36%20-%20Copy-1.jpg?width=50&name=230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-36%20-%20Copy-1.jpg) [Dr. Kelton Cullenberg, PT, DPT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/author/dr-kelton-cullenberg-pt-dpt) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/) > ## If you’ve ever had someone mention dry needling, you may have wondered—wait, isn’t that just acupuncture? They both use thin needles, they’re both used for pain, and they sound… kind of similar. But the truth is, while they look alike on the surface, dry needling and acupuncture come from very different approaches, and they serve different purposes. At Steady State Health, [we use dry needling as part of our physical therapy toolkit](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/dry-needling)—especially for runners, lifters, and active people dealing with muscle tightness, chronic pain, or movement restrictions. Here’s how it compares to acupuncture and how to know what’s right for you. ## Dry Needling: What It Is & How It Works Dry needling is a technique used by licensed physical therapists to target tight muscles and trigger points. The goal is to create a brief, localized muscle response that releases tension, improves blood flow, and helps normalize movement. [You can learn more about how dry needling works here.](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/what-is-dry-needling/) At Steady State, we use dry needling to support performance-based rehab—never in isolation. It’s one tool in a full-body strategy to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve how your body responds to training. ## Acupuncture: What It Is & How It Works Acupuncture is a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for thousands of years. It involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body along energetic “meridians” with the intention of balancing the flow of energy (or "Qi"). - Based in Eastern medical philosophy and energy systems - Aims to restore balance and promote healing through the body’s meridians - May be used for pain, digestion, anxiety, fertility, and more - Practiced by licensed acupuncturists, not physical therapists - Often used in broader wellness or traditional medicine settings ## Key Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture ### Dry Needling - Rooted in Western anatomy and science - Targets trigger points in muscle - Performed by physical therapists - Used to treat musculoskeletal pain - Often part of active rehab plans ### Acupuncture - Rooted in Eastern medicine and meridian theory - Targets energetic points across the body - Performed by licensed acupuncturists - Used for a broad range of conditions - Often part of whole-body wellness Both approaches have value—but they’re not interchangeable. ## So Which One Is Right for You? If you’re a runner dealing with calf tightness, a CrossFitter managing hip pain, or someone who’s tried stretching, rolling, and massage without long-term results, [dry needling may help](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/dry-needling) reset your muscle system and improve how you move. On the other hand, if you’re looking to support your nervous system, digestion, or chronic health issues through a more traditional or whole-body lens, acupuncture might be the better fit. At [Steady State Health,](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/) we won’t use dry needling unless it makes sense for your body, your goals, and your comfort level. And if we think acupuncture would help you more? We’ll refer you to someone we trust. ## **Still Not Sure? Let’s Talk.** We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you choose the care that actually moves you forward. Dry needling isn’t for everyone—but when it fits, it can be a game-changer. **Schedule a free discovery call** to learn whether dry needling could support your recovery, performance, or training. [dry needling](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/dry-needling) ## Related posts [![Steady State Physical Therapist working with a runner performing a front squat. ](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ash%20cueing%20becca%20squat%20edited.jpg?height=200&name=ash%20cueing%20becca%20squat%20edited.jpg)](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/why-dont-you-take-insurance) [Physical Therapy Portland Maine](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/physical-therapy-portland-maine), [Maine Running](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/maine-running), [Running Injuries](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/running-injuries) ## [Why Don't You Take Insurance?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/why-dont-you-take-insurance) ![Picture of Dr. Kelton Cullenberg, PT, DPT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-36%20-%20Copy-1.jpg?width=50&name=230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-36%20-%20Copy-1.jpg) [Dr. Kelton Cullenberg, PT, DPT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/author/dr-kelton-cullenberg-pt-dpt) Jan 21, 2024, 4:35:03 PM “Why Don’t You Take Insurance?” [Read more](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/why-dont-you-take-insurance) [![](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-20.jpg?height=200&name=230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-20.jpg)](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/are-you-really-strength-training-how-rpe-and-rir-can-transform-your-workouts) [Physical Therapy Portland Maine](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/physical-therapy-portland-maine), [Maine Running](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/maine-running), [Runner Education](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/runner-education), [Injury Prevention](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/injury-prevention), [Dr. Kelton](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/dr-kelton), [exercise](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/exercise), [RPE](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/tag/rpe) ## [Are You Really Strength Training? 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[Services](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) - [Contact](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) - [We're Hiring](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/careers) - About - Resources by Steady State --- [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/steadystatehealth/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/96972885/admin/feed/posts/) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/steadystatehealth/) Copyright © 2026, Steady State Health ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dr. Kelton Cullenberg, PT, DPT", "url" : "https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/author/dr-kelton-cullenberg-pt-dpt" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-16T23:15:37.204Z", "datePublished" : "2025-05-16T23:07:41.000Z", "headline" : "The Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture ", "image" : [ "https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hubfs/Patch%202024/image-2.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hubfs/logo-long-blue-2.png" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "No. While both use thin needles, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and targets trigger points in muscle, while acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine and targets energy meridians." }, "name" : "Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Dry needling helps release tight or overactive muscles, improves circulation, and reduces pain as part of a larger rehab and movement strategy." }, "name" : "What does dry needling do?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes, licensed physical therapists with the appropriate training and certification can perform dry needling, depending on state regulations." }, "name" : "Can physical therapists do dry needling?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Acupuncture may be more appropriate for treating systemic issues like anxiety, digestion, or hormonal balance, as it works through traditional meridian pathways." }, "name" : "When is acupuncture more appropriate than dry needling?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Neither is universally better. Dry needling is ideal for musculoskeletal pain and rehab, while acupuncture supports overall wellness. The right choice depends on your goals." }, "name" : "Which is better: dry needling or acupuncture?" } ] } ```