Chiropractic and Acupuncture - a winning combination?
Written by Chiropractor Emily White
“Why does my Chiropractor insist on turning me into a pin cushion during my sessions?”
If you have been to see a chiropractor, you may have been asked by them if you’re okay to have something called ‘dry needling’ done as part of your session. As odd as it seems, I promise we’re not just sadists and it’s for your benefit!
What is Dry Needling & Western Medical Acupuncture?
We use Western Medical Acupuncture in our clinics, and often use a technique known as dry needling. These approaches differ a little from Eastern or Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Western Medical Acupuncture, the treatment mechanisms work in three main ways;
Acupuncture mechanisms and the potential benefits for musculoskeletal pain
The needles stimulate a pain-relief or analgesic effect in the local area.
The localised ‘twitch response’ elicited in dry needling relaxes the tight bands of muscle in the area.
The needle stimulates an increase in blood flow to the targeted area which facilitates the body’s healing process.
Acupuncture and dry needling is great for most people, especially:
Athletes with sports injuries
Expectant mothers with pelvic girdle pain
Office workers with lower back pain from hours slouched at their desk
The mechanisms of acupuncture and dry needling make it a fantastic adjunctive therapy to use alongside Chiropractic, providing such a beneficial effect on the body. It is a quick and easy way to bring pain relief to our patients and ease chronic muscle tension fast. So, if you’re not scared of needles, give it a go! The benefits speak for themselves!
Book your next appointment with Emily >
Sources
Dry needling - Physiopedia (physio-pedia.com).
Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Upper-Quarter Myofascial Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis | Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (jospt.org).