Acupuncture v Dry Needling

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy which has been practiced for over 5000 years. The belief is that health relies on a steady flow of “chi” – (The vital flow of energy in all living things) through the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians. These meridians are linked to specific organs such as the heart, spleen and liver and It is thought that problems or pains arise when there is blockage in any of these energy channels.

Whilst Acupuncture and Dry needling both involve the insertion of needles, the theory and clinical reasoning behind the practice is different.

Physiotherapists practice dry needling as it is proven to be an effective way of relieving pain and reducing myofascial tension. Physio’s use needling techniques alongside manual therapy and rehabilitation to correct musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Physio’s use their knowledge of anatomy to needle specific tight spots or knots within a muscle. The research shows that inserting needles into these points can cause biochemical changes which induce healing properties into the affected tissues.

Some of these points also happen to correspond with some of the traditional acupuncture points.

Dry Needling, can be used effectively for:

• Neck tension and headaches
• Low Back Pain
• Muscle Strains
• Ligament injuries
• Tennis Elbow
• And More….

If you have a pain or muscle imbalance, then dry needling may be of benefit to you.