Exploring Acupuncture and Dry Needling in Physiotherapy: Enhancing Treatment Options
Acupuncture, originating from traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This practice is believed to restore the flow of qi (energy) and balance bodily functions. From a Western perspective, acupuncture is hypothesized to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, triggering the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals that alleviate pain and promote healing. This can be a valuable tool in allowing other physiotherapy methods to address the root causes of the pain and to never be used as a stand-alone treatment.
Dry Needling: Targeting Trigger Points
In contrast to acupuncture's holistic approach, dry needling is a technique rooted in Western medicine that focuses specifically on treating trigger points—tender knots within muscles that cause pain and restrict movement. Practitioners insert needles directly into these trigger points to stimulate them mechanically, promoting relaxation and normalization of muscle function.
Will it work for me? What will a session look like?
Individuality is key. Acupuncture and dry needling are certainly not a one-size-fits-all modality. Some individuals can see a benefit after one session with one needle, while others may struggle to feel the effects of 20 needles.
Again, each patient will be different. Yet we recommend at least 4 sessions of acupuncture, no more than a week apart to be able to build the pain-relieving properties of acupuncture. Within these session's the therapist will try and find the optimal dose (number, duration and stimulation of the needles) to achieve the desired goal of relieving the pain. This will start with about 6 needles for 15-20 minutes with the therapist stimulating the needles throughout.
With dry needling, commonly just one needle is used. This will target the dysfunctional tissue and is often completed in a few minutes.
Furthermore, there are some precautions and contraindications for using both dry needling and acupuncture. Your therapist will go through on an individual basis to make sure the session is safe for you to complete.
What does science say?
Acupuncture, derived from traditional Chinese medicine, and dry needling, a Western technique, are both used in physiotherapy to address musculoskeletal pain. Systematic reviews show that acupuncture can effectively reduce chronic pain and improve function, while dry needling is particularly beneficial for treating trigger points and reducing musculoskeletal pain. Each method requires individual assessment for effectiveness, with acupuncture focusing on broader energy balance and dry needling targeting specific muscle knots.
*For more details, see:Acupuncture reviews: Vickers et al. (2018), Lee et al. (2013), Green et al. (2005)Dry needling reviews: Liu et al. (2018), Kietrys et al. (2013), Gattie et al. (2017)*
Conclusion:
Using acupuncture and dry needling represents a progressive approach to enhancing care for our clients. Supported by systematic reviews and meta-analyses, these techniques offer evidence-based options for managing musculoskeletal conditions, reducing pain, and improving functional outcomes. By incorporating acupuncture's holistic benefits and dry needling's targeted approach, physiotherapists can expand their treatment toolkit, providing personalized care that addresses the diverse needs of patients effectively.
If you have any querie's please contact us at reception@buretaphysio.co.nz or give us a call on 075761860
