Dry Needling
Sometimes when a muscle is overused its fibers don't receive an adequate blood supply. When muscles and tendons don’t get the normal blood supply, they don’t get the oxygen and nutrients that allow the tissue to go back to its normal resting state. This can lead to the muscle/tendon tissues become more acidic which can lead to surrounding nerves becoming sensitizes which makes the area painful. These painful areas in the muscles are called Trigger Points. Stimulating a trigger point with a needle helps draw normal blood supply back to flush out the area and release tension. The prick sensation can also fire off nerve fibers that stimulate our brain to release endorphins, our body’s homemade pain medication.
Once your therapist locates a trigger point, they’ll insert a needle through your skin directly into it. They might move the needle around a little to try to get what’s called a local twitch response — a quick spasm of your muscle. This reaction can be a good sign that your muscle is reacting. Some people feel improvement in their pain and mobility almost immediately after a dry needling session. For others, it takes more than one session. Your practitioner will use solid needles that don’t contain any kind of medication. This is why the technique is called “dry.” Nothing is injected into your body.
Once your therapist locates a trigger point, they’ll insert a needle through your skin directly into it. They might move the needle around a little to try to get what’s called a local twitch response — a quick spasm of your muscle. This reaction can be a good sign that your muscle is reacting. Some people feel improvement in their pain and mobility almost immediately after a dry needling session. For others, it takes more than one session. Your practitioner will use solid needles that don’t contain any kind of medication. This is why the technique is called “dry.” Nothing is injected into your body.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for many years. During an acupuncture treatment session fine needles are inserted in different parts of the body known as the acupuncture points where patients may feel an “ache” and/or a “dull” sensation, known as “De Qi”.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each acupuncture point is within a specific meridian that can be used to facilitate healing. In Western Acupuncture (WA), the same acupuncture points and meridians are used; however, its rationale is based on neurophysiology and human body anatomy. The acupuncture points may be used to achieve an increase in local blood flow and/or affect the nervous system for analgesic effects. Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of disorders including:
Our ACC registered acupuncturists are certified and offer a professional, relaxing and friendly environment for all acupuncture treatments.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each acupuncture point is within a specific meridian that can be used to facilitate healing. In Western Acupuncture (WA), the same acupuncture points and meridians are used; however, its rationale is based on neurophysiology and human body anatomy. The acupuncture points may be used to achieve an increase in local blood flow and/or affect the nervous system for analgesic effects. Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of disorders including:
- musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. muscle tear, ligament sprain, low back pain)
- headaches and neck pain
- pregnancy and fertility
- anxiety, behavioral and sleeping problems
- digestive conditions (e.g. Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- degeneration (wear and tear disease such as osteoarthritis in spine, hips and knees)
- nerve pain (e.g. sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
Our ACC registered acupuncturists are certified and offer a professional, relaxing and friendly environment for all acupuncture treatments.
