Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling​
What is Medical Acupuncture?​
​Medical Acupuncture, also known as dry needling, is used for the treatment of muscular or myofascial pain. The technique involves specific insertion of filiform sterile single use needles to cause stimulation of a muscle. The needles stimulate neurophysiological mechanisms and causes reflex relaxation of muscles.
Overactive muscles, trigger points and muscle pain respond well to dry needling. Medical Acupuncture is useful to target concerns such as:
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Muscle pain
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Muscle trigger points
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Joint pain
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Back pain
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Neck pain
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Shoulder pain
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Headaches
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What is the difference between Western Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese acupuncture is administered to restore the flow of Qi, an energy that flows through your body in Chinese medicine. Western medical acupuncture is evidence-based and administered to muscles to reduce pain and tightness, it is only administered after a full diagnosis.
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which administers guidance to both NHS and private healthcare professionals, recognises that Medical Acupuncture is beneficial to people with musculoskeletal pain and has an evidence base. Currently NICE recommends acupuncture to assist in the treatment and/or management of migraine, tension headaches and lower back pain.
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Medical Acupuncture and Osteopathy
Medical Acupuncture is available at Balanced Osteopathy as part of an osteopathic treatment, from some but not all of our registered Osteopaths. When used, it will be part of a wider treatment approach that involves osteopathic techniques, such as massage, mobilisation, manipulation and exercise rehabilitation.
Further information on which of our osteopaths use medical acupuncture within their treatments can be found on the bio of our practitioners. If you are unsure, please contact bookings@balancedosteopathy.co.uk and we can discuss booking you with a team member to suit your needs.