Acupuncture

Think.... integrated within physiotherapy treatment for pain relief and to improve circulation

needle

Acupuncture and dry needling is used as an adjunct to complement physiotherapy techniques. In the acute stage of an injury it may stimulate healing, restore normal tissue function, and loosen scar tissue. In chronic injuries, it can reduce pain and improve circulation, allowing you to minimise medication and may also initiate the recovery, even after previous other types of treatment have failed. Your physiotherapist will discuss and explain the application of acupuncture and dry needling as necessary.

Modern acupuncture and dry needling
Dry needling is also known as myofascial trigger point or intramuscular stimulation (IMS). It is based on Western Neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Dry Needling involves the insertion of a thin (acupuncture) needle to stimulate the healing process of soft tissues (muscle "trigger points", fascia, tendons and ligaments etc.). The result of dry needling is pain relief and restoration of healthy physiology.

A "trigger point" is a hyper-irritable point in a muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule, or “knot." This area becomes painful at the site and can also “radiate” in predictable patterns.

Traditional Acupuncture
The body has 12 channels or meridians, which carry the body's energy (chi) around the body. Each meridian corresponds to a major internal organ, e.g. the liver channel. There should be a balance of this energy, of Ying (deficiency of chi) and Yang (excess of chi) within the individual.

If the balance is disturbed e.g. through musculoskeletal disorders, pain, swelling and inflammation will occur. By stimulating particular points on the appropriate meridians (using special single-use sterile acupuncture needles), the balance of energy can be restored.