Acupuncture is often confused with dry needling. These techniques may look very similar but they are vastly different. The chiropractor Centurion specializes in dry needling, which may be helpful in managing muscle pain.
Tension and inflammation can result from a strain or injury to the muscles. This is a normal body response to injury.
Dry Needling and Acupuncture are two of many alternative therapies. Although they might seem very similar and are often mistaken for each other, they have many differences. Both are minimally invasive and target specific areas of your body. We’ll be discussing acupuncture and dry needling in this post.
Your Pretoria skilled chiropractors can help you manage mild to moderate pain. Dry needling is a speciality of chiropractors and can help with your problem.
What’s the difference between dry needling vs acupuncture? Can your Pretoria chiropractor help you?
The main difference between acupuncture and dry needling is when your therapist stimulates the muscle with long needles to help it release. It may be helpful for reducing soreness in your joints or improving your athletic performance.
Acupuncture is a natural alternative therapy. It is based on channel theory and uses points to heal the body naturally.
Acupuncture
- Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, aka TCM. It uses specific points in the body to “stimulate energies” and allow for natural healing.
- Acupuncture targets what are known as Meridian points (trigger points) and focuses on the body’s natural energy.
A key principle of acupuncture states that if the energy flow along the meridian channels is “retriggered”, it aids the body in performing better. This allows the body to better manage certain levels of pain.
Acupuncture can also be used for pain relief in dry needling. It is effective in treating lower back pain, headaches as well as chronic knee pain.
Dry needling
- Dry needling is similar to acupuncture. It involves pressing down on the skin, and in particular the tight muscles, to release pressure from the trigger points.
- Dry needling is focused on myofascial trigger spots, also known as “hyperirritable points”.
- Dry needling is based on Western neurophysiologic and anatomical principles.
Dry needling is used by physical therapists and chiropractors to reduce and manage pain. Dry needling does not aim to channel and direct the body’s energy like acupuncture. However, it targets specific points in the body. These “trigger points” are used to release tension, which can help improve mobility and reduce pain.
Some areas of the body might not need the same amount. The patient receives a customized experience that is tailored to their needs. This will determine the number of sessions required. Both acupuncture, as well as dry needling, are aimed at relieving pain.
Benefits of dry needling by your chiropractor
Some areas of the body might not require the same amount. The patient receives a customized experience that is tailored to their needs. This would then determine the number of sessions required.
Dry needling can be an economical treatment option that is safer than traditional medicine, which could have a variety of side effects.
A chiropractor might use dry needling to treat these conditions:
- Joint pain and problems
- Repetitive motion disorder
- Whiplash
- Pelvic pain
- Phantom pain
- Disk problems
- Migraine and tension headaches
- The healing process for injuries may be accelerated by dry needling
- It can be used in conjunction with physiotherapy.
- It could improve blood circulation
- Chronic pain management could be improved by regular sessions
Dry needling can have side effects
Dry needling may be used to treat muscle and musculoskeletal pains naturally, with minimal intervention. There are side effects that patients may experience. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Localized bleeding
- After and during the treatment, there will be some sensitivity and soreness.
- Treatment areas may be bruised
- Patients have reported feeling lightheaded or faint.
For treatment, it is important to find a trusted chiropractor in your region.
Pretoria’s qualified chiropractor is familiar with dry needling. He or she is often trained by a trusted institution. A chiropractor will assess the condition and type of pain the patient is experiencing and then create a treatment plan.
Chiropractic is a safe and drug-free alternative to traditional medicine. It is also suitable for all ages. Your specialist will recommend the best treatment taking into account factors like age, pregnancy, and other health conditions. Chiropractic has been beneficial for many pregnant women and their babies as well as senior patients.