What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient therapeutic technique that has certainly stood the test of time since its initial use several thousand years ago. It involves the use of strategically placing thin metal needles around your body to encourage the human body to elicit a variety of clinical responses. Acupuncture is one of the many skills within physiotherapy and when integrated within a wider approach can have extremely positive effects on pain, inflammation and overall health and function.

Dry needling is a technique that falls within the scope of acupuncture but is used with a specific focus in mind. It aims to restore balance by alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by myofascial trigger points, also known as muscle ‘knots’. Trigger points are hypersensitive nodules found within painful muscles that can cause pain locally or refer pain elsewhere within our bodies. Dry needling, like acupuncture, involves the insertion of a fine acupuncture needle directly into the localised trigger point to stimulate a clinical response to relieve pain and tension.