Hitch Fit Living Magazine Volume 8 - September/October 2016 | Page 37

Is this basically acupuncture?
No. While they use the same needle and may look the same, they are actually quite different.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese Medicine. Dry needling is based on Western Medical
research. Dry needling is targeting the function of the neuromusculoskeletal (Nerves, muscles and
joints) system while acupuncture attempts to balance “Chi” or the energy flow through the body.
Why is it called “Dry” needling?
The term “dry” comes from the lack of an injected fluid, like a flu shot or steroid injection. The
therapeutic benefit is accomplished simply with the simulation of the needle.
Is this something I will have to keep doing?
No, not at all. If dry needling is the answer, it tends to help in 4-6 visits on average. Very few
cases go much longer.

Dr. Tom Cotter is a chiropractor at Active Health
Solutions: Chiropractic & Rehab, located in
Prairie Village, Kansas. The clinic focuses on
combining cutting edge chiropractic care with the
latest in exercise and rehabilitation for pain
treatment and performance enhancement. You can
find more information about the clinic by visiting
their website at www.activehealthKC.com or by
calling 913-341-1200.