Medical acupuncture

What is it?

The origins of Medical Acupuncture, also known as Dry Needling, are drawn from Western Medicine principles and Scientific , research-based conclusions. The technique of Medical Acupuncture has no historical ties to Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, which is based on Eastern tradition. Medical Acupuncture treats musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, while Traditional Chinese Acupuncture aims to influence “energy” and “meridians”. The only similarity between the two is that they share a common tool, a fine needle.

How does it work?

Dry-needling, or Medical Acupuncture, is a useful adjunct to Osteopathic or Sports Massage treatment as it helps to decrease muscular spasm and tension by targeting the ‘trigger points' (hypersensitive, knotted, tight points) within the muscle. It is particularly suitable when patients are suffering from muscular or ligamentous strain, arthritis, nerve irritation or discal or facetal neck or back pain.

Frequently, acute injuries initiated by trauma or repetitive strain, lead to local inflammation from the damaged tissues and protective guarding of the muscles in the area which aims to reduce the chance of further damage. The muscle tension and inflammation reduces circulation, therefore, limiting both the oxygen supply in and the waste product disposal out of the area. Prolonged reduction in oxygen levels stimulates the production of cells which create fibrosis or scar tissue which, in turn, limits the mobility of the muscle(s) and associated joints and causes nerve irritation or compression. This ultimately results in changes in the function and biomechanics of the body.

Inserting a needle into these 'trigger points' or tight, knotted parts of a muscle helps to create a break in the reinforcing dysfunctional muscle cycle, therefore, decreasing muscular contraction, nerve irritation and pain levels whilst improving flexibility. For example, Medical Acupuncture to the low back can help with symptoms relating to sciatica, leg and low back pain.

What Should I Expect?

Your Osteopath will choose the appropriate length and depth of the needle for your body size and condition. The acupuncture needles are solid stainless steel, no substances are being injected via the needles. The needles are very thin in diameter and sometimes you can’t feel them going in, whereas other times it may feel like a quick pin-prick sensation. The Osteopath inserts the needle into the trigger point, palpated with their fingers as tension spots. Occasionally the trigger point will react with a twitch response lasting less than a second, this is followed by muscle relaxation where the muscle “releases”. The area may feel like a dull ache whilst the needle is in place and once it has been taken out. You may also feel discomfort distant from the needle, this is referred pain and indicates stimulation of the trigger point which is a positive response.

Following a treatment involving Medical Acupuncture, you may be achy and sore for anything up to 24-48 hours and may experience occasional bruising. The application of ice and stretching is often recommended to reduce these symptoms.