Acupuncture and Dry Needling
What is acupuncture?
Traditional Acupuncture: Utilisation of meridian or extra points based on a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach which includes diagnosis and clinical reasoning using various Chinese medicine assessment methods and/or paradigms. Utilisation within the context of physiotherapy will include a diagnosis based on clinical reasoning as part of an overall management approach.
Western Acupuncture: Western acupuncture utilises meridian points but applies it to western reasoning with particular consideration to neurophysiology and anatomy. It does not utilise any traditional Chinese medicine assessment methods or paradigms. Utilisation within the context of physiotherapy will be based on clinical reasoning as part of an overall management approach.
What does Acupuncture Entail?
- The procedure of the needle insertion into the skin.
- The needles that are used are sterile, single use, disposable needles.
- There is a possibility of transient symptoms during and/or after the treatment such as fatigue, light headedness or temporary aggravation.
5 Benefits of Acupuncture:
1. Acupuncture is an alternative to medication as it helps in relieving pain or it may allow for lower doses of pain medication.
2. Acupuncture releases endorphins that results in a natural pain relief. The release of neurotransmitters sends nerve impulses to the brain during acupuncture which can also provide a number of benefits such as a positive influence on the autonomic nervous system.
3. Acupuncture may also be beneficial for blood circulation.
4. Acupuncture can help with common conditions such as headaches, sprains and strains, neck & back pain, joint pain as well as a number of musculoskeletal conditions.
5. Acupuncture may relieve stress, improve energy levels and help with sleep as well.
Acupuncture is a treatment option that a physiotherapist and the patient may choose to use to treat a musculoskeletal problem.
What to do Before an Acupuncture/Dry Needling Treatment:
1. Have a light meal.
2. Take no alcohol, barbiturate or tranquillizer for four hours before treatment. Take your medication as necessary. Do not smoke tobacco for one hour before a treatment.
3. Continue any other medication as prescribed by your doctor.
4. Be well rested, if possible.
What to do After an Acupuncture/Dry Needling Treatment:
1. Rest for two hours after you get home, if possible.
2. If treatment is for a painful condition, avoid strenuous activity for two days after treatment, even if you are pain-free.
3. Take pain pills or other medication as directed by your doctor; keep a record of amount taken. Do not take any alcohol or caffeini for two hours after treatment. Do not smoke tobacco for one hour after treatment.
4. Some people obtain relief immediately, some notice improvement after a few hours, some after a few days. Some require several treatments before responding. Some do not respond.
5. Occassionally symptoms become worse before they improve. This usually only lasts 1-2 days.
6. The number of treatments required varies with each person and condition.
