If you've ever searched for relief from muscle pain, tightness, or stubborn tension, chances are you’ve come across both dry needling and acupuncture. While the two treatments use similar-looking tools—very thin, solid needles—their purpose, application, and philosophy are quite different.
At Fortify Chiropractic, we offer dry needling as part of our modern, movement-focused care. While we don’t provide acupuncture, we believe it’s important to understand the distinction so you can make the best decision for your health and recovery.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that’s been practiced for thousands of years. It’s based on the concept of balancing energy (Qi) within the body through specific points along energy pathways known as meridians.
Acupuncturists place needles at these points to influence various body systems—often to promote general wellness, relieve stress, or address internal conditions like digestive issues, headaches, or insomnia.
Think of acupuncture as a holistic, energy-focused treatment often used to restore internal balance.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and other musculoskeletal providers. It targets trigger points, tight muscles, or areas of dysfunction in the neuromuscular system.
At Fortify Chiropractic, we use dry needling to:
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Reduce muscle tension and spasms
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Improve range of motion
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Speed up recovery after injury or heavy training
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Help restore normal movement patterns
The needle causes a brief local twitch response in the muscle, which helps release the knot and reset muscle tone.
Dry needling is all about targeting the source of pain and dysfunction to help you move better and recover faster.
What Does It Feel Like?
Both acupuncture and dry needling use hair-thin needles, but the experience can feel quite different.
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Acupuncture tends to feel mild or even relaxing, with some people reporting a dull ache, warmth, or light tingling during treatment.
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Dry Needling can create a quick “twitch” or deep ache when the needle hits a tight muscle. This can feel strange or intense in the moment, but most people describe it as satisfying—like releasing a knot that’s been stuck for weeks.
How Do You Feel After Treatment?
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After acupuncture, people often feel calm, centered, or sleepy. It’s commonly used for stress management and internal balance.
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After dry needling, you may feel some soreness (similar to post-workout fatigue) in the treated muscles, but also a noticeable improvement in range of motion, decreased tension, and better overall movement.
This soreness typically fades within 24–48 hours, and hydration plus light movement helps speed up recovery.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re seeking relief from:
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Stress, anxiety, or internal imbalances → Acupuncture may be a better fit.
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Muscle tightness, sports injuries, or movement restrictions → Dry Needling is likely the right choice.
At Fortify Chiropractic, we focus on dry needling as a tool to help you move better, perform better, and recover faster. It pairs perfectly with strength-based rehab, manual therapy, and chiropractic adjustments to create lasting change—not just short-term relief.
Ready to See if Dry Needling Can Help You?
Whether you're dealing with nagging tightness, recent injury, or just want to move more freely, dry needling can be a game changer—especially when paired with targeted strength and mobility work.
At Fortify Chiropractic, we use Dry Needling as a strategic part of your overall care plan.
Book your visit today and experience what modern chiropractic care should feel like.
Dr. David Farley
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