Dry Needling & Acupuncture 

 October 12, 2018

By  Steve Hoffman

Wait, isn’t dry needling really acupuncture? Well, it depends on who you ask. Dry needling, trigger point therapy, meridian therapy, five element acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, French acupuncture, distal acupuncture the list goes on and on. There are over 300 known styles of acupuncture and probably hundreds more that are not widely known. Dry needling, like any of the other hundreds of styles of acupuncture, is just that, a style or method of using acupuncture for a specific purpose.

Is Dry Needling for Me?

Well, that depends. Dry needling works well for both acute and chronic pain conditions and can even address some internal disorders, when used by a skilled practitioner. If you have a pain condition that is the result of trigger points, then dry needling can be part of a comprehensive solution to resolving your problem. Why just “part” of the solution? If your problem is caused partially by trigger points, then additional techniques or therapies will be required. There are dozens of other issues that can be contributing to your problem such as stress, diet, lifestyle, exercise (wrong type, too much, too little) just to name a few. Therefore, it is imperative to seek out someone who is fully trained in acupuncture so that your issue can be fully addressed and resolved.

When is Dry Needling Inappropriate?

If you are having fertility issues, anxiety, depression, digestive issue, immune issues and other things that are not related to trigger points, then dry needling is probably not a good option.

Which Acupuncturist Do I See?

Find an acupuncturist in your area the specializes in your condition. Someone who deals with pain issues on a day in, day out basis is much more likely to be able to properly diagnose, treat and resolve your problem as opposed to someone who specializes in fertility treatments. Some practitioners are “general” practitioners and while some can be quite good, others will say that they can treat you just to get you in the door. Do your research, look at reviews and find the right practitioner for you!

At Princeton Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, we are experts in treating pain syndromes and injury. We do have expertise and training in other areas as we find that most times, pain is accompanied, caused or exacerbated by other issues that, left untreated, will hamper recovery. Call today to set up a 30-minute consultation.


Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!

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