HI norm2020, thanks for your question. I almost missed it, because you placed it in the wrong category!
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According to a source I found online, here's what it stated:
- Acupuncturists utilize needles to correct the energy flow of the body or “chi”, chronic health and neurological conditions through the guidance of meridian lines, tongue and pule examination, and acupuncture points.
- Dry needling addresses purely the dysfunction of the muscle through extensive palpation to identify the unhealthy muscle tissue. So the only similarity is the use of needles, but the theory behind the treatments are very different.
Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects. Most common side effect is muscle soreness 1-2 days after treatment, which can be alleviated by drinking plenty of fluids and the application of heat. Besides the treatment of dry needling the practitioner will provide corrective exercises. These corrective exercises are specifically designed to provide a positive environment to allow for correction of the unhealthy muscle tissue habits. This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating muscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits. Typically positive results are apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions, but also depend on the severity of the condition, overall health of the patient, and the experience level of the practitioner.
More on it in the attachment below.