I have been receiving extensive dry needling from several different PT's over the last 5 years and it has helped me heal from many injuries much quicker and alleviate the pain from those injuries. I have also had acupuncture over the last 5 years for very different reasons, and while it is helpful, it was not helpful for the injuries or any of my physical complaints. Dry needling was used on trigger points in my muscles. Acupuncture needles were used in my ears, feet, etc. where there were no injuries. However, it did make me feel good and help my nervous system but it did absolutely nothing for my pain in the muscles and joints.

My PT's had extensive knowledge of the muscles and anatomy and nervous system of the body. My licensed and California trained acupuncturist had extensive knowledge of energy flow and chi. Very different experiences.