Medical Acupuncture/Dry Needling
Medical Acupuncture or Dry Needling is a very effective form of treatment for Musculoskeletal Pain.
Especially pain from myofascial ‘trigger points.’
These trigger points are specific points in a muscle that regulate tone in a muscle. They become hypersensitive and can cause pain locally or be the source of referred pain.
This treatment approach is based on Western anatomical and contemporary physiological principles. It involves identification and palpation of active trigger points and stimulation of these points with a fine acupuncture needle.
There is now a large evidence base for this type of technique in treating Myofascial and Musculoskeletal pain. It has been recommended in EU Guidelines, NICE Guidelines for treatment of low back pain.
Dry Needling differs from Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture in the points used and the proposed mechanism of action. TCM Acupuncturists use acupuncture to normalise the flow of energy or ‘Qi’ in the body and they use a separate diagnostic system.
However, Dry Needling uses a traditional Western diagnosis and the process of sensory neuromodulation. Both methods have been found to be effective at reducing pain, however, TCM acupuncture in other areas is less well proven.
The benefits of Dry Needling and Trigger Point release can often be dramatic and immediate.
Muscle tightness and pain associated with a particular muscle can be dramatically reduced. This is then followed by myofascial release and stretching to maximise flexibility.
