Acupuncture vs. Electroacupuncture vs. Dry Needling — What's the Difference?

Dealing with persistent aches, stubborn injuries, or simply looking for natural ways to feel better? You have options to explore.

Kerri Kuhlsen, Lac, cSMA offers holistic treatments to ease pain, improve mobility, and support your overall wellness. Her practice in Staten Island, New York, Twin Acupuncture, provides a comprehensive selection of techniques, including traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and dry needling.

You’re likely familiar with acupuncture, but you may not be aware of electroacupuncture and dry needling as treatment options. Here, learn about their key differences and when each approach might be right for you.

Understanding the differences

Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and dry needling: You know they involve needles.

While they do have that in common, and there’s some overlap in the conditions they treat, these three techniques operate on distinct principles and can achieve unique results. Let’s take a look at what sets each of them apart.

Acupuncture

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture focuses on stimulating specific points along meridians, or energy pathways, in the body. The goal is to restore balance and promote the smooth flow of vital energy (qi) that governs your overall health.

Kerri carefully selects acupoints based on a holistic assessment of your condition, addressing not just your symptoms, but also the underlying imbalances contributing to them.

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture builds upon the foundation of traditional acupuncture by attaching electrodes to the inserted needles. The electrodes connect to a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses, enhancing the stimulation of the acupoints. 

The addition of electric current amplifies the therapeutic effects of acupuncture, particularly for managing pain. Kerri can adjust the frequency and intensity of the electrical stimulation based on your individual needs, offering a truly personalized approach.

Dry needling

In contrast to acupuncture’s ancient Chinese origins, dry needling is a technique based in modern Western medicine. It targets myofascial trigger points, which are tight, irritable knots within muscles that can cause localized pain or referred pain in other areas of the body.

Kerri inserts the thin needles directly into these trigger points to release tension, reduce pain, and improve muscle function. The main goal of dry needling is to address musculoskeletal issues and help restore proper movement.

Which treatment method is right for you?

Each of these three treatment methods has unique benefits. During an initial consultation, Kerri assesses the specific nature of your concerns and your health history to guide her recommendation.

Acupuncture, with its focus on the body’s overall balance, is a go-to choice for a wide array of conditions. It can effectively address chronic pain, manage stress, improve sleep, aid digestive issues, and even strengthen your immune system.

When a stronger or more focused effect is needed, Kerri may recommend electroacupuncture. It’s particularly useful for persistent pain, with muscle spasms, or to encourage a more robust healing response — it effectively amplifies the benefits of acupuncture.

For pain and stiffness stemming from tight muscles or trigger points, Kerri often suggests dry needling. This direct approach is highly beneficial for sports injuries, specific areas of musculoskeletal pain, and improving range of motion.

Do you want to learn more? For natural ways to help your body feel better, book your consultation with Kerri at Twin Acupuncture online or by phone today.