Both acupuncture and dry needling involves inserting very fine, stainless-steel, filiform needles into specific points in the skin, underlying tissues and muscles, or into certain trigger points.

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Traditional Chinese acupuncture targets specific ‘acupuncture’ points to restore the balance of energy, which when unbalanced is believed to cause pain and illness. Western acupuncture is based on an evidence based clinical diagnosis but uses the same pre-determined acupuncture points and meridians on the body.

 

Dry needling uses the same fine needles to stimulate anatomically-based ‘targets’ in soft tissues like muscles, tendon and fascia, rather than points along an energy line as in acupuncture.

 

The needles stimulate the sensory nerves under the skin and within the muscles, which promotes muscle relaxation, improve blood circulation, and trigger the release of endorphins - your body's natural pain relievers.

 

The number of needles and length of time they are inserted for will vary depending on the condition being treated.

 

Acupuncture can be used to treat:

• Back pain

• Sciatica

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Tennis elbow

• Knee pain

• Heel pain (Plantar fasciitis)

• Achilles tendonitis

• Tension headaches and migraines