If you don’t have a strong aversion to needles then dry needling is fantastic method for reducing pain!
However, it is not to be confused with Chinese acupuncture. What is the difference between Chinese acupuncture and dry needling is a question that comes up very often. Chinese acupuncture, funnily enough is based on Chinese medicine which focuses on points and meridians. The needles also remain in the body for a longer period of time…around 45 minutes.
Dry needling is used by many Osteopaths, physios and other physical therapists and tends to used with other treatment techniques during a session such as massage, joint articulations etc. This form of acupuncture is based on a modern understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology. The needles are placed in the area of dysfunction and are left in for around 2 minutes. I find it works best for muscle pain especially if the muscle has allot of knots (myofascial trigger points) in it. However it can be used for other problems such as irritation to the outer layer of a bone or a tight tendons and helps to stimulate the healing process by encouraging blood into the area and reducing the pain signals to the area. Don’t be shy come and join us for some acupuncture and if you have any questions please give us a call. This is a very efficient method of reducing pain at Richmond Osteopaths.
written by Nicolette Gygi