Dry Needling vs. Cupping: Understanding Modern Pain Relief Techniques
Do you experience sore muscles, inflammation, or restricted movement? Most people occasionally do, and these symptoms can be common due to aging, exercise, or physical activity. Many people choose to take over-the-counter pain relievers to counteract these issues, but that’s not the only option.
In fact, there are several alternatives to medication, including cupping and dry needling. Cupping has roots in ancient practices that have been around for centuries, and dry needling has nearly 100 years of history. With modern tools and techniques, they can offer fast results and lasting benefits.
Let’s look at the differences between cupping and dry needling, how they work, and what to expect during a session. With this information, you can decide which option is right for you.
The history of cupping and dry needling
Both of these hands-on treatments have long histories of providing pain relief and recovery support to people of all ages.
Dry needling started with Dr. Janet Travell’s work in the 1940s. She identified certain muscular trigger points and initially used “wet needling” — injecting substances into these trigger points — to relieve pain. However, Dr. Travell eventually realized that “dry needling” — inserting a fine needle into the trigger point — was just as effective.
Dry needling became more well-known in the 1980s thanks to Karel Lewit’s work. Karel was a Czech physician who examined the immediate and long-term effects of dry needling in treating myofascial pain. He verified that inserting a needle produces an analgesic effect distinct from that attributed to an injected substance in “wet needling.”
Dry needling has been widely used in the U.S. and various other countries since the 1980s. It’s important to note that while Traditional Chinese Acupuncture also uses thin needles, it has a separate history and philosophy and is not generally believed to have contributed to the development of dry needling.
Dry needling is relatively recent compared to cupping, which has been practiced for millennia. There’s evidence that cupping was used in several ancient cultures, from Egypt and Macedonia to Rome and China, and it has been continually practiced around the world for thousands of years. In the past few decades, cupping has also become popular in the U.S.
How dry needling works
Dry needling is essentially what the name implies — the therapist inserts extremely thin needles into specific trigger points. These filament needles are the same as those used in acupuncture, but that’s the only similarity between these two treatments.
Is dry needling painful? Some people report a mild pricking sensation, but others say they can’t feel the needle.
However, the trigger points that are targeted in dry needling can sometimes be painful, so you might experience some discomfort while your therapist is identifying your trigger points. You may also feel some initial soreness after the procedure, but overall, dry needling should help relieve pain.
Benefits of dry needling
There are several potential benefits of dry needling:
Pain relief
Reduced muscle soreness/stiffness
Better flexibility
Expanded range of motion
Joint health
Improved blood flow
Faster healing
Dry needling may also help with headaches, tendonitis, and TMJ disorders. It’s generally considered safe and can effectively improve your quality of life.
However, if you are pregnant or recovering from surgery, dry needling isn’t recommended. You may also want to avoid it if you are on blood thinners or have a compromised immune system.
How cupping works
Unlike dry needling, cupping doesn’t require anything to be inserted into the body. Instead, cupping utilizes suction to stimulate blood flow and mobilize soft tissue.
Cups are bell-shaped and can be glass, plastic, silicone, ceramic, and other materials. The therapist places the cups strategically — usually on the back, arms, or legs — and uses a vacuum or other suction mechanism to pull the skin up into the cup. Usually, the cups stay in place for several minutes, although the “running” technique involves sliding the cups gently over the skin.
The suction aspect of cupping draws fluid into the area and can (intentionally) break the small capillaries under the skin. Releasing the suction stimulates blood flow to the area, which brings more oxygen and nutrients that promote cell repair.
Benefits of cupping
Although cupping isn’t backed by as many scientific studies as dry needling, it can still provide many benefits:
Pain relief
Improved circulation
Better lymphatic drainage
Faster healing
Expanded range of motion
Tight muscle release
Some cupping patients also say this treatment can help with chronic pain, asthma, headaches, and high blood pressure.
Cupping is typically considered safe, and most people report minimal discomfort (if any) during the procedure. However, you may experience bruising from the cups or feel mild pinching from the suction.
If you have blood disorders, skin conditions (such as psoriasis), or seizures, cupping may not be right for you. It’s also not recommended for pregnant people.
Experience the benefits of cupping or dry needling
Both of these treatments can help you recover faster from injuries or post-workout soreness. They can address chronic pain and promote better blood flow. You may experience improvements to your range of motion and flexibility, which can help prevent future injuries.
Dry needling can offer precisely targeted relief. However, if you don’t care for needles, cupping is probably a better option. You can also try both treatments depending on your unique needs.
Whichever one you choose, it’s important to select an experienced, licensed therapist. Make sure you’re well hydrated before and after the procedure, and tell your provider if you experience any severe pain or other symptoms during or following the treatment.
If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of dry needling, cupping, or both, make a rejuvenation appointment at one of our Miami Pilates studios.
You can schedule your appointment at our Coconut Grove or South Miami studio. Either way, you’ll receive treatment from a licensed physical therapist in a calming, comfortable environment.
Book your cupping or dry needling session online, or contact our team for more information on our rejuvenation services.