Acupuncture vs Dry Needling

I do offer both and find it to be a wonderful tool. Here are the main differences.

GUNN IMS/ dry needling - is a technique that includes the assessment of the whole body, assessing dysfunction of the nervous system that can cause ongoing myofascial pain and dysfunction. This technique targets tight muscles bands (trigger points). Often only a few needles are used and they are taken out shortly after inserted. There is no added electrical stim.

Neurofunctional Acupunture - uses fine acupuncture needles that target specific structures (muscles, nerves, tendons, joints). The goal is to modulate the nervous system and normalize areas that are hypertonic. This technique often includes many acupuncture needles that are then connected with electrical stim for 10-15 minutes. This technique is also very effective for muscles that have been inhibited as well when using the electrical stim. For example if someone has inhibited posterior delts, quads, glute med etc - this area can be targeted and then stim applied to increase activation and awareness of the muscle.

Both techniques can help impact the nervous system, improve pain/function & decrease tone. The primary differences are duration the acupuncture needles are in, the thickness of the needle, the targets and the use of electrical stim.