What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the most well known aspect of Chinese Medicine and may be used alone or in conjunction with herbal medicine, moxibustion (the heating of specific acupuncture points using the herb Artemisia), or tui na (Chinese massage). It is likely that the acupuncture practitioner will also offer dietary and lifestyle advice or suggest a course of exercise.
Each of the organs of the body has its own associated channel or pathway of energy. These are often referred to as meridians. Very fine needles are inserted into points along the meridians with the aim of bringing the body to a point of balance and harmony. Every aspect of the patient’s life is considered by the practitioner before the points are selected – sometimes it may be impossible to change someone’s life circumstance, but by using Acupuncture the person may be strengthened so that they are more easily able to deal with what life brings their way.
A visit to an Acupuncturist will usually take up to an hour, with the needles being left in place for 20-25 minutes of that time. Very often people go into a state of deep relaxation whilst the needles are in place and many drift off into a brief but sound sleep. Acupuncture is widely known for its effectiveness in treating musculo-skeletal injuries but has traditionally been used extensively in the treatment of respiratory, digestive, gynaecological and many other chronic conditions.
Acupuncture is the most well known aspect of Chinese Medicine and may be used alone or in conjunction with herbal medicine, moxibustion (the heating of specific acupuncture points using the herb Artemisia), or tui na (Chinese massage). It is likely that the acupuncture practitioner will also offer dietary and lifestyle advice or suggest a course of exercise.
Each of the organs of the body has its own associated channel or pathway of energy. These are often referred to as meridians. Very fine needles are inserted into points along the meridians with the aim of bringing the body to a point of balance and harmony. Every aspect of the patient’s life is considered by the practitioner before the points are selected – sometimes it may be impossible to change someone’s life circumstance, but by using Acupuncture the person may be strengthened so that they are more easily able to deal with what life brings their way.
A visit to an Acupuncturist will usually take up to an hour, with the needles being left in place for 20-25 minutes of that time. Very often people go into a state of deep relaxation whilst the needles are in place and many drift off into a brief but sound sleep. Acupuncture is widely known for its effectiveness in treating musculo-skeletal injuries but has traditionally been used extensively in the treatment of respiratory, digestive, gynaecological and many other chronic conditions.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling involves the insertion of very fine, sterile, single use needles into the muscle (tendons and ligaments etc), in the region of a "Trigger Point' to stimulate the healing process, resulting in pain relief and restoration of healthy physiology.
It works by stimulating the release of endorphins and serum cortisol and de-activating the trigger points. The needles also cause localised bleeding, which increases the blood flow to the area and promotes tissue healing by stimulating collagen and protein formation.
Research has shown that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor endplates, and facilitates an accelerated return to active rehabilitation.
It works by stimulating the release of endorphins and serum cortisol and de-activating the trigger points. The needles also cause localised bleeding, which increases the blood flow to the area and promotes tissue healing by stimulating collagen and protein formation.
Research has shown that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor endplates, and facilitates an accelerated return to active rehabilitation.
What is a "trigger point"?
Every structure within the body, including organs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels are covered with soft tissue called fascia. The fascia that covers your muscles is call myofascia.
When the myofascia is stressed from overuse or trauma it becomes hyperirritable and is recognised as a a hypersensitive palpable nodule, or “knot”. These knots are called "trigger points" and can prevent the muscles from working well.
Trigger points lead to an increase in muscle stiffness and tenderness and a decrease in range-of-motion. In addition, the discomfort from trigger points can radiate to other areas, which is called referred pain.
When the myofascia is stressed from overuse or trauma it becomes hyperirritable and is recognised as a a hypersensitive palpable nodule, or “knot”. These knots are called "trigger points" and can prevent the muscles from working well.
Trigger points lead to an increase in muscle stiffness and tenderness and a decrease in range-of-motion. In addition, the discomfort from trigger points can radiate to other areas, which is called referred pain.
Will it hurt?
You will feel a small pinprick and, depending on the type of needle technique, you may also feel a deep, dull muscle ache, or even a twitch. These are all normal sensations and mean that you will experience good relief from your symptoms.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects may vary among individuals. Typically, only mild muscle soreness or skin bruising.
Who can benefit from Dry Needling?
Dry needling is beneficial for a variety of musculoskeletal problems including, but not limited to:
- Acute and chronic tendonitis
- Athletic and sports-related overuse injuries
- Post-surgical pain
- Post-traumatic injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and work related injuries
- Chronic pain conditions
- Headaches and whiplash
- Lower back pain
What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
The dry needling technique uses the same tool that acupuncture uses, but with a different theoretical purpose. Dry needling is based on western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The sites for the needle insertion are located in specific myofascial trigger points in skeletal muscle, which can differ from acupuncture.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and is used as a holistic treatment to normalize energy, or Chi, in the body.
According to acupuncture theory, 'chi' circulates in the body along twelve major pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. The uninterrupted and balanced flow of energy along these meridians contributes to one's overall health and blockages and imbalances result in pain and illness.
By inserting the very fine needles at specific points along the meridians, the flow of energy (chi) is redirected and repositioned to relieve tension, stress, and pain.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and is used as a holistic treatment to normalize energy, or Chi, in the body.
According to acupuncture theory, 'chi' circulates in the body along twelve major pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. The uninterrupted and balanced flow of energy along these meridians contributes to one's overall health and blockages and imbalances result in pain and illness.
By inserting the very fine needles at specific points along the meridians, the flow of energy (chi) is redirected and repositioned to relieve tension, stress, and pain.
Addressing Your Pain
Needling can be a powerful and successful treatment, though it is important to remember that it is generally only one part of an effective treatment strategy. Singular treatment approaches often only offer temporary relief. A multidimensional treatment approach is much more effective for a successful recovery.
Contact us today at NorthWest Physio + to book a consultation. We will assess your pain and offer you friendly, professional advice on what treatment is best for you.
Phone 09 412 2945 or leave your details on our contact page or make an appointment via our online booking service.
Phone 09 412 2945 or leave your details on our contact page or make an appointment via our online booking service.