Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, or lingering physical discomfort, you might have heard about dry needling or acupuncture as possible treatment options.
Both therapies use thin, sterile needles — but they are very different techniques with unique goals, origins, and approaches.
At Holistic Alaska, we specialize in Trigger Point Dry Needling to help our Anchorage clients relieve pain fast — naturally and effectively.
Let’s break down how dry needling and acupuncture compare, and help you decide which might be right for you.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a modern, evidence-based technique used to treat pain and muscle tension. Also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling or Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), this method targets tight or inflamed muscle knots — known as trigger points.
How It Works
Using thin, sterile needles, our therapist inserts directly into these trigger points, causing the muscle to release tension, improve blood flow, and kickstart the healing process.
At Holistic Alaska, we treat trigger points from the hips to the head, focusing on areas commonly associated with headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and back pain. We do not currently treat legs or feet.
Conditions Treated with Dry Needling
✔ Tension headaches & migraines
✔ Neck and shoulder pain
✔ Rotator cuff injuries
✔ Low back pain & sciatica
✔ Muscle tightness & restricted movement
Meet Your Therapist
Our founder, Jeana Kaufman, is a licensed occupational therapist certified in myofascial trigger point therapy using dry needling. Jeana has received formal approval from the Alaska State Board to perform dry needling treatments.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for thousands of years to restore balance in the body’s natural energy flow, known as qi (pronounced “chee”).
How It Works
Acupuncturists insert thin, sterile needles into precise points along the body’s energy meridians to promote balance, healing, and overall well-being.
Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
✔ Chronic pain
✔ Anxiety & depression
✔ Digestive disorders
✔ Insomnia
✔ Whole-body wellness
👉 While Holistic Alaska specializes in dry needling, we’re happy to recommend trusted local acupuncturists if you want to explore both therapies.
Comparing Dry Needling and Acupuncture
| Aspect | Dry Needling | Acupuncture |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Western Medicine | Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Focus | Muscle trigger points | Energy flow (qi) |
| Goal | Relieve muscle pain & tension | Balance energy & promote overall health |
| Needle Placement | Directly into muscle knots | Along energy meridians |
| Treatment Areas | Muscles from hips to head | Whole body, including internal energy systems |
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling offers several powerful benefits, especially for chronic pain sufferers:
1. Pain Relief
Releasing trigger points reduces muscle tension, easing chronic pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.
2. Improved Range of Motion
Tight muscles restrict movement. By releasing knots, dry needling helps restore flexibility.
3. Faster Healing
Increased blood flow and oxygen delivery accelerate the healing process after injuries or overuse.
4. Reduced Muscle Tension
Stiff, sore muscles relax after being directly targeted with dry needling techniques.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes — when performed by a certified, experienced practitioner like Jeana Kaufman at Holistic Alaska.
As with any technique involving needles, there’s a small risk of bruising or soreness, but serious side effects are rare when the procedure is performed correctly.
At Holistic Alaska, we only use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols to keep you safe.
What Does Dry Needling Cost?
At Holistic Alaska, we strive to keep dry needling affordable and accessible.
✅ We accept insurance — including Blue Cross and Aetna.
✅ Want us to check your coverage? Text us a photo of the front and back of your insurance card and your birthdate, and we’ll verify it for you.
👉 Learn more about our rates and insurance options here.
Visit Holistic Alaska for Dry Needling in Anchorage
If you’re searching for natural pain relief in Anchorage, dry needling might be exactly what your body needs.
We’re located in Turnagain, in the Gonzalez Marketing Building, right next to Rustic Goat on West Northern Lights Boulevard.
Book your appointment today and experience the difference dry needling can make!
👉 Book Now