Acupuncture & Dry Needling
There are many similarities and many differences between acupuncture and dry needling. One method does not suit all, so let us guide you to what is the best for you and your condition.
How are both techniques similar?
Both techniques use very thin needles inserted into the skin to achieve a reduction in pain and restoration of function.
Isn’t that painful?
Our physio will choose a needle length and thickness appropriate to your condition and body size and then insert it through the skin at the appropriate place. You will feel a small pin-prick. Depending on the needle chosen you may feel a muscle ache and a muscle twitch. These are all good reactions and it means that you will get good relief from your symptoms. Because of the extreme slenderness of the needle, most people compare the sensations to a mild to moderate heaviness or tingling.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient technique based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles of the flow of Chi (energy) through the body. Acupuncture aims to treat pain by balancing Chi via insertion of needles at specific acupuncture points. The treatment involves using very fine needles, inserted at particular acupuncture points on the body that can help relieve the symptoms of a number of physical and psychological conditions. Acupuncture aims to help the body to heal naturally. It has the advantage of having few side effects and is particularly useful in both acute injuries and chronic conditions resilient to other treatments.
Acupuncture combined with Physio
The benefit of Physiotherapists versus other complementary medicine practitioners using acupuncture is that our Physios will advise you based on their assessment of your condition whether acupuncture is appropriate or not in your case. They may recommend other forms of treatment which they consider more appropriate and effective for your condition. Remember (due to regulation of chartered physiotherapists and the lack thereof of other practitioners) if you want to give blood, you will only be able to do so if you have had acupuncture through a chartered physiotherapist and not an alternative / complementary medicine practitioner.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a much newer technique than acupuncture. Dry Needling is a very successful medical treatment, which uses very thin needles without any medication (a dry needle) to achieve its aims. Dry Needling is used to treat pain and dysfunction caused by muscle problems, sinus trouble, headaches, and some nerve problems. It is not Acupuncture. Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine, whereas Dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research.
Dry needling (also known as trigger point needling) is a scientifically proven form of treatment to treat trigger points. The needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at the myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to production and maintenance of the pain cycle. When the needle is inserted, very often a local twitch response is experienced. After a dry needling treatment the area in the muscle which has been treated feels much softer and relaxed and the person will feel looser. Very often people find that the pain they experience when a trigger point is being treated, be it local or referring, is a familiar type of pain or ache that they have. Different types of massage and manual therapies have proven to deactivate and relief the tender areas and pain which allowed the person to feel looser and less tight in their muscles.
How do I know what I need?
Our physiotherapists who practice acupuncture and dry needling will be able to advise you on which approach is most suitable for your condition. We have Chartered Physiotherapists trained in Acupuncture or Dry Needling. This is offered either individually or as part of combined treatment within a Physio treatment. A 30 minute dry needling or acupuncture appointment costs €50.
How much does it cost?
A 30 minute dry needling or acupuncture appointment costs €50.
Where are these treatments available?
Acupuncture is offered at the following clinics:
Dry Needling is offered at the following clinics:
Can we help you? Please click here for an appointment
