We get asked often, “what is dry needling?”. Dry needling is a term used by western healthcare professionals when using acupuncture needles to relieve pain. In the state of Montana, healthcare professionals can take an 18-hour course that gives them a certificate to practice dry needling. However, in Montana, to have a License of Acupuncture one must have a minimum of 4 years of graduate level education (3500+ hours).
In addition to the education, a licensed acupuncturist treats an incredible range of health issues! These include not only pain management – but also sports medicine/orthopedic conditions, digestive, reproductive/fertility and skin conditions, headaches/migraines, anxiety, depression, even hormone management and sleep disorders. Just to name a few!
We hope that understanding the differences between a licensed acupuncturist and a healthcare professional, who offers dry needling, will enable you to make the best decision for your own healthcare plan.