Needling & Acupuncture
Our Assessment:
Dry needling, or the use of acupuncture needles, is an extremely effective way of helping you with your pain, tight muscles, spinal pain, headaches, etc.
Depending on your needs, we will assess you using a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or acupuncture approach, or we will use a Western medical approach to your acupuncture, meaning we will use acupuncture points with their scientific and anatomical connections to your condition.
If we choose to use intramuscular stimulation, another powerful form of dry needling, we use a postural and neuropathic approach to our pattern of needling. It will usually involve a full assessment of your whole body, its muscular balance, and neurological function, including reflexes, sensation changes, skin condition, and neuropathic edema. Using a physiotherapist’s knowledge of posture, movement, and nervous system function, your therapist will be able to lay out a specific plan to have you feeling better very quickly. Once the needling has been able to help you normalize your muscular balance and nervous system function, a comprehensive rehabilitation program specifically designed for you will have you performing better and will result in long-term benefits.
Our Treatment:
Depending on your needs, our therapists may take a traditional Chinese medical approach or a Western medical approach to the type of needling they will do for you. Acupuncture can be a standalone treatment, but we frequently advise our clients to begin to change how they move and breathe along with their acupuncture to speed up results and achieve a more permanent change in their health.
Intramuscular stimulation is one of the most powerful tools to treat persistent or chronic pain, commonly referred to as neuropathic pain. At PhysioActive, we joke that it is considered the fountain of youth, as you feel taller, your vertebrae have less compression, and your overall nervous system works more effectively.
Our Technology:
Electric current may be connected to some of the needles to activate more muscle contraction and nerve stimulation. Our traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapists may also use special stay-in needles that stay in place for up to a week. These can be a powerful at-home treatment, allowing you to continually stimulate the specific acupuncture points while you go about your daily activities.
Benefits of Dry Needling in Comprehensive Rehabilitation
At PhysioActive, we believe that effective rehabilitation requires a multifaceted approach. Dry needling is a vital component of our comprehensive treatment model, offering significant benefits for pain relief and recovery.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Gunn Technique: This innovative method targets muscle knots and trigger points, alleviating tension and promoting relaxation. While IMS is excellent for chronic pain and resetting the nervous system, it works best as part of a broader treatment plan. Once pain is reduced, incorporating proper tissue tension management, spinal decompression exercises, and movement therapies can lead to more sustainable results and better overall function.
Medical Acupuncture: This evidence-based practice combines traditional acupuncture principles with modern medical knowledge. By inserting thin needles at specific points, medical acupuncture helps restore balance in the body, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. It is particularly effective for conditions such as headaches, back pain, and sports injuries.
Traditional Acupuncture: Rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, traditional acupuncture aims to harmonize the body’s energy flow, or “Qi.” This holistic approach not only addresses pain but also promotes emotional well-being and relaxation, making it a beneficial addition to any rehabilitation plan.
Incorporating dry needling, IMS, medical acupuncture, and traditional acupuncture into your rehabilitation program enhances your recovery process. These techniques work synergistically with manual therapy and exercise, helping to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support overall healing. If dry needling is right for you, our highly trained therapists will work with you and incorporate it into your rehabilitation program at PhysioActive.
FAQ
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What is dry needling? Dry needling involves the insertion of thin needles into trigger points or tight muscles to relieve pain and improve function. It targets muscle knots and helps reset the nervous system for effective pain management. -
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture? While both involve needles, dry needling is focused on treating specific muscle dysfunction and pain, whereas acupuncture aims to balance the body’s energy flow (Qi) and address broader health concerns. -
Is dry needling safe? Yes, dry needling is safe when performed by trained practitioners. We use sterile, single-use needles and adhere to strict hygiene practices to ensure your safety and comfort. -
Will I feel pain during the procedure? Most clients experience minimal discomfort during dry needling. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, and some people report feeling a “twitch” sensation in the muscle, which is often a sign that the treatment is effective. -
How many sessions will I need? The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and conditions. Your practitioner will assess your situation and develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best results. -
Can dry needling be combined with other treatments? Absolutely! Dry needling works best as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation model. It complements other therapies, such as manual therapy, exercise, and acupuncture, to enhance your recovery process. -
What conditions can benefit from dry needling? Dry needling is effective for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, muscle tightness, sports injuries, headaches, and tension-related disorders. -
How does Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) fit into the treatment plan? IMS is a specific form of dry needling that focuses on treating chronic pain and resetting the nervous system. It is particularly beneficial for long-term pain relief and can significantly improve tissue tension and movement patterns. -
How quickly can I expect to see results? Many clients report experiencing pain relief and improved function after just a few sessions. However, results may vary depending on the individual and the complexity of their condition. -
Is there any downtime after treatment? Most clients can resume their normal activities immediately after dry needling. Some may experience mild soreness in the treated area, but this typically resolves quickly and is often seen as a positive sign of progress.
Intra-Muscular Stimulation (IMS)
Medical & Traditional Acupuncture
