Is it acupuncture?

This is probably the most asked question that we receive due to the public’s knowledge and familiarity with acupuncture. So, is dry needling acupuncture? NO. The similarity of the two treatment techniques begins and ends with the tool used. Both treatments utilize a solid filament needle, however, the method of use and evaluative tools used by a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncturist and a Physical therapist differ. Within TCM acupuncture the evaluation often includes tongue and pulse evaluations. The information obtained by these practitioners guides the practitioner to insert needles into specific meridians, or channels of the body to affect the body’s “Qi” with the overall goal of restoring the normal flow of the life force. This is vastly different than how a physical therapist utilizes the needle. At Lone Peak Physical Therapy we utilize the evaluation to assess the pain patterns, posture, movement, and function. These findings aid in our decision-making in determining if one is a candidate for needling and if so where to utilize the treatment to be most effective. It must be noted that as physical therapists we do appreciate and utilize the skills and knowledge of acupuncturists to achieve the ultimate goal for outpatients: to Live Better!