Acupuncture/Dry Needles
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the major components of Traditional Chinese medicine and it has been around for 2500 years. It is based on needling and stimulating the points on “channels and collaterals” that exist throughout the body.
There are 365 acupuncture points on the main channels and other collateral points which are alleviated to the desired health condition.
Acupuncture is not only for treating an injury, it covers a wide range of symptoms and diseases. Hundreds of clinical studies on its benefits show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to fatigue, poor digestion, nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility. It is very effective to relieve pain and promote Qi and Blood movement/circulation.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is acupuncture from a western point of view. It is performed by inserting needles of various lengths and diameters into acupuncture points located over the body.
Its exact mechanism is uncertain, however, it is believed its effects may be explained by the gate control of pain in which stimulation of one part of the body may block the pain from other parts of the body.
Additionally, dry needling causes the body to release endorphins from the pituitary gland and other organs which may block signals in the pain pathway.
The procedure is generally painless, and very rarely causes any side effects.
Indications for use
Acupuncture is one tool that we use at Hobsonville Physio. It can be very effective for the treatment of:
- Acute neck and back pain
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow
- Headaches
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Acute muscle spasm
- Nerve Pain
- Inflammatory Pain
