What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient, safe and effective alternative to medication and, in some cases, surgery. It stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain-relieving neuro-hormones – through the insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing.
What conditions can be treated with Acupuncture?
- Back/Neck pain
- Rotator Cuff Strain
- Knee Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Arthiritis
- Headaches
- Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Ankle Sprain
- Bursitis
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is a gentle treatment. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort. Acupuncture needles are very fine, metallic, and as thin as a hair, making them quite painless upon insertion. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most feel no pain or very minimal pain as the needles are inserted. You may experience a mild aching sensation or warmth around the needle site.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling (DN) involves using a sterile needle to stimulate the motor point of the muscle. DN is also used on trigger points, or “knots”, that people sometimes feel in their muscles. This stimulation causes an involuntary twitch response, which helps to deactivate the tight muscle and allows it to loosen up.
What conditions can be treated with
Dry Needling?
- Rotator cuff tendonitis,
- Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow),
- Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow),
- Piriformis tightness,
- Cervicogenic headaches,
- Low back pain,
- Repetitive stress injuries, and many more!
Does dry needling hurt?
Generally, the insertion of the needle is not felt. The local “twitch response” may provoke a brief pain sensation that has been described as a tingling, aching or cramping sensation.
Are there any side effects to Dry Needling?
Side effects may vary among individuals. Typically, only mild muscle soreness or skin bruising. Your physiotherapist will educate you on the benefits and side effects of dry needling prior to performing the technique on you.
Can physiotherapists and chiropractors perform acupuncture and dry needling?
Yes, physiotherapists, chiropractors, RMTs and naturopaths that have training in acupuncture can perform this technique in a safe an effective manner.
Book an appointment with a practitioner that does dry needling to get help with your condition.