What is Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Acupuncture and Dry Needling is traditionally used to ease pain and discomfort with the use of a stainless steel needle.

How Does Acupuncture and Dry Needling Work?

The needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point (MTrP), which are painful, tense areas that are found in muscles. The needle stimulates the sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscle to encourage the release of endorphins, which are naturally produced substances in the body that are responsible for the beneficial effects of the treatment such as pain relief and reduced muscle tension.

Benefits of Dry Needling

• Relaxes the muscles
• Boosts blood flow
• Reduces inflammation
• Triggers a healing response
• Improves nerve communication
• Activates the release of your body’s natural pain relievers

Is there a difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Yes. Acupuncture and Dry Needling differ more in their origins and philosophies than the techniques used themselves. Acupuncture is based on the ancient theories of traditional Chinese medicine, where the flow of “Qi”, the body’s energy channel (called a meridian) is used to heal the body naturally.

Dry Needling is based on western medicine and scientific study with the aim of evaluating pain patterns, impaired movement and tissue dysfunction. Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function.

Does it Hurt?

The prick you may experience from the needle is nothing like an injection, in most cases, you may not even feel it. Shortened muscles with several trigger points, may elicit cramping (the twitch response), an aching sensation or slight discomfort.

Acupuncture For Migraines

Several studies have shown that Acupuncture is a safe, long-lasting and cost-effective alternative to drugs in the treatment and management of migraines.

Acupuncture For Anxiety

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural feel-good hormones and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol. One study found it reasonable to state that the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating anxiety appears to be promising.

Acupuncture For Back Pain

Acupuncture is clinically effective in pain relief and functional improvement than no treatment at short-term follow-up. Based on reviews, acupuncture combined with other conventional therapies, provides short-term clinically relevant improvements in acute and chronic low back pain.