Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: Are They Really the Same
If you’ve been searching for dry needling in Wollongong, you’ve probably noticed it often gets compared to acupuncture. I get asked this question all the time in the clinic:
“Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?”
The short answer is no — while they may look similar, they’re actually very different in how and why they’re used.
As a massage therapist at Advance Body Massage in Wollongong, I use dry needling as part of a modern, evidence-based approach. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
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What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by trained manual therapists to treat muscle pain, tightness, and dysfunction.
It involves inserting a very fine, sterile needle into specific trigger points — tight knots within muscles that can cause pain, restriction, or referred pain elsewhere in the body.
The goal of dry needling is to:
Release tight muscles
Reduce pain and tension
Improve movement and flexibility
Support faster recovery from injury
At Advance Body Massage, dry needling is often combined with remedial massage, myofascial release, and movement-based treatment for longer-lasting results.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for thousands of years.
It focuses on balancing the body’s energy (known as Qi) by placing needles along specific meridian pathways. Acupuncture is often used for:
General wellbeing
Stress and anxiety
Digestive issues
Hormonal balance
Chronic conditions
While acupuncture can help with pain, its philosophy and purpose are very different from dry needling.
The Key Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture
1. Different Philosophy
Dry needling is based on modern anatomy, neuroscience, and muscle function
Acupuncture is based on traditional energy systems and meridians
2. Different Treatment Goals
Dry needling targets specific muscle problems
Acupuncture focuses on whole-body balance and internal health
3. Different Application
Dry needling needles are placed directly into trigger points
Acupuncture needles follow pre-mapped meridian points
4. Different Feel
Dry needling often creates a brief muscle twitch or ache — which is normal and actually part of the release process. Acupuncture is usually gentler and more subtle.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
This is another common question.
Dry needling can feel uncomfortable for a moment, especially when a tight trigger point is released, but most people tolerate it very well. The discomfort is brief, and many clients feel immediate relief or improved movement afterwards.
Some mild soreness the next day is normal — similar to how you might feel after a good massage.
Who Is Dry Needling Good For?
Dry needling is particularly effective for people dealing with:
Neck and shoulder pain
Lower back pain
Headaches and migraines
Sports injuries
Postural tightness
Chronic muscle tension
Desk-related pain
If you’re already coming in for a massage in our Wollongong clinic, dry needling can be a powerful FREE add-on to help release deeper tension that massage alone can’t always reach.
Why I Use Dry Needling at
Advance Body Massage
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment.
At Advance Body Massage, dry needling is used when appropriate, not automatically. Every session starts with an assessment so the treatment suits your body, your pain, and your goals.
Dry needling works best when combined with:
Remedial massage
Soft tissue work
Stretching and movement advice
This approach helps create long-term change, not just short-term relief.
Who Is Dry Needling Good For?
Dry needling is particularly effective for people dealing with:
Neck and shoulder pain
Lower back pain
Headaches and migraines
Sports injuries
Postural tightness
Chronic muscle tension
Desk-related pain
If you’re already coming in for a massage in our Wollongong clinic, dry needling can be a powerful FREE add-on to help release deeper tension that massage alone can’t always reach.