Synapse Physiotherapy
Introduction
The general public often confuses dry needling with acupuncture. Many people are unsure about the distinct purposes and proper contexts for each treatment, which leads to the misconception that dry needling and acupuncture are the same. Although both practices involve inserting thin needles into the body, they differ greatly in their techniques, philosophies, and goals. “Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture” is a common topic of conversation among individuals.
I. What is dry needling?
The term “dry needling” was created to differentiate it from traditional acupuncture and wet needling, which involves injections. This term emphasizes that no substances are injected. Starting in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, dry needling gained popularity among physiotherapists and other musculoskeletal health professionals in Western countries. This increase in use was supported by evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Dry needling utilizes thin monofilament needles, similar to those used in acupuncture, but without any injections. This method is often applied to muscles, ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous fascia, scar tissue, peripheral nerves, and neurovascular bundles to treat various neuromusculoskeletal pain syndromes. The definition of dry needling has been updated by organizations such as the National Physical Therapy Association and several State Boards of Physical Therapy. According to their guidelines, dry needling involves inserting needles into nodules found within taut muscle bands, known as ‘trigger points’ or ‘myofascial trigger points’ (MTrPs).
Benefits of dry needling
Relieving Muscle Tightness and Pain Dry needling targets the source of pain (the trigger point), causing the muscle to contract and relax, restoring normal function. This alleviates both muscle tightness and tension, thereby reducing pain.
This benefit can often be felt immediately after treatment, with more significant relief typically experienced after multiple sessions. For more details on the timeline for dry needling effectiveness, check out our recent blog.
Improving range of motion by releasing muscle tightness, tension, and trigger points, dry needling also helps to enhance or restore range of motion. This, in turn, improves overall function and reduces general discomfort.
Accelerating recovery from injuries can be a lengthy process, particularly for athletes and active individuals. However, dry needling has the potential to expedite recovery and help clients return to normal function more quickly than other therapies.
This acceleration may stem from muscle relaxation and increased blood flow, which delivers essential oxygen and nutrients to the injured area
II. What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been a holistic healthcare practice for thousands of years. TCM encompasses a broad approach to wellness, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various ailments. A central concept in TCM is qi, the vital energy that flows through the body along specific pathways known as meridians. When qi is balanced, it reflects overall well-being, covering spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Imbalances in qi can cause illness, as blockages disrupt the balance between yin and yang, the interconnected principles in Chinese philosophy. To restore harmony between yin and yang, TCM uses several strategies, with acupuncture being a prominent one.
Acupuncturists recognize over 2,000 acupuncture points linked by meridians and use this technique to clear blockages or stagnant qi, promoting its smooth flow and enhancing health. This practice involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians, which practitioners may activate through manual manipulation or electrical stimulation.
Physiotherapy often involves mobilizing tissues and joints that have become tight, weak, or inflamed due to injury, illness, or surgery. Hands-on techniques to move and manipulate these areas aim to restore mobility, increase blood flow, and promote healing, although some procedures might cause temporary soreness. Additionally, tailored stretching and strengthening exercises may lead to muscle soreness as your body adapts to new movements. Techniques to gently break down scar tissue formed from injury or surgery can be uncomfortable but are crucial for restoring normal function and reducing long-term pain.
Rehabilitation after injury or surgery often involves exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which might cause discomfort as your body heals. Moreover, some conditions or injuries can lead to compensatory movement patterns, placing stress on certain body areas. Correcting these patterns might result in temporary discomfort as your muscles and joints adjust.
Benefits of acupuncture
Pain relief acupuncture is renowned for its ability to relieve pain, whether acute or chronic. It is frequently used to manage conditions such as back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation, triggering the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers), and regulating the pain response of the nervous system.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Many individuals find acupuncture sessions to be deeply relaxing. By inserting needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture helps regulate the body’s stress response, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety and tension. Some people also report improved sleep quality after acupuncture treatment.
Mental Health Acupuncture has been found to have positive effects on mood and mental well-being. It can help regulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are important in mood regulation. Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Enhanced Immune Function Acupuncture is believed to support the body’s immune system by enhancing the flow of Qi (vital energy) and balancing the body’s internal systems. Regular acupuncture sessions may help strengthen the immune response and reduce the risk of illness and infection.
Better Digestive Health Acupuncture can assist in regulating digestive function and alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, bloating, and constipation. By balancing the body’s energy flow and reducing stress, acupuncture may improve digestion and enhance nutrient absorption.
Hormonal Balance Acupuncture may aid in regulating hormonal imbalances in the body, making it beneficial for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, menopausal symptoms, and menstrual irregularities. It can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovarian function, and alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations.
Support for Chronic Conditions Acupuncture offers relief and support for various chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and neuropathic pain. While it may not cure these conditions, acupuncture can help manage symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.
III. How long before you notice the effects?
1. Dry needling
Following a dry needling session, it’s common to experience a variety of sensations. You may feel immediate pain relief, as needling can help alleviate acute tension and reduce inflammation. However, it’s also normal to experience some discomfort during the muscle’s involuntary twitch response immediately after the procedure.
This discomfort can include muscle soreness similar to post-workout aches or a mild lingering ache, which typically diminishes within 24 to 48 hours. This soreness occurs because the muscles are responding to the needle insertion, which initiates the healing process. The initial irritation is a natural part of the body’s response, leading to improved muscle relaxation and pain relief as the muscles recover.
2. Acupuncture
For acute pain or a sports injury, you might experience almost immediate pain relief after the first treatment.
In cases of chronic pain, it may take up to 2 or 3 sessions before you notice a reduction in pain. Sometimes, as the primary pain subsides, you may notice pain shifting to other areas of the body. This can happen because when the most intense pain is alleviated, secondary pain sites may become more noticeable.
IV. How long the effect can be sustained?
1. Dry Needling
After their initial dry needling appointment, clients can anticipate that the benefits will last for several days. As they undergo subsequent appointments, the benefits are likely to extend with each session, leading to longer-lasting effects over time. However, the duration of these benefits can vary from person to person.
2. Acupuncture
The effectiveness and duration of acupuncture benefits depend on a variety of factors. These include the patient’s age, overall health condition, the specific ailment being treated, the duration of acupuncture treatment, whether the patient is receiving other concurrent treatments, or any coexisting health conditions.
Initially, patients may experience relief from symptoms such as pain and inflammation lasting anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after each acupuncture session. However, with continued treatment, acupuncture has the potential to provide longer-lasting benefits, and in some cases, permanent relief from chronic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dry needling focuses on relieving muscle pain and trigger points, while acupuncture targets energy flow and holistic health using traditional Chinese medicine techniques.
Many people experience relief within 24 to 48 hours after a dry needling session, though some may require multiple treatments for lasting effects.
Results from acupuncture can vary, but some individuals notice improvements after the first session. Typically, noticeable changes occur after a few weeks of regular treatment.
Both dry needling and acupuncture can be effective for chronic pain, but the best option depends on individual conditions and response to treatment. Consulting with a professional can help determine the most suitable method.
Yes, combining both therapies can be beneficial for some individuals. Always discuss with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for individuals managing musculoskeletal injuries, dry needling administered by a physiotherapist can be particularly effective due to its targeted approach to trigger points and muscle tension. However, individuals seeking a more comprehensive approach to health or who have additional health concerns beyond the musculoskeletal system may find acupuncture with a licensed acupuncturist to be a more suitable choice. The immediate and lasting effects of these treatments can vary for each individual. At Synapse Physiotherapy, we offer dry needling services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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Back & Neck Pain
Conditions such as stiffness, postural abnormalities and muscle overuse from prolonged desk work at the office or home is more prevalent than most would think. We provide the necessary tools to fix you up and educate you on ergonomics which can unload unnecessary stress.
- Spine & Core Rehabilitation
- Strength & Conditioning Programme
- Pain Management
- Biomechanical Assessment
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Group Class
Sports Injuries
Rolled ankles, jarred knees, impinged shoulders are few conditions in the plethora of sports injuries which can hamper performance and limit our enjoyment of sports. Physiotherapy not only treats the symptoms of these conditions but propels your overall fitness to greater heights.
- Strength & Conditioning Programme
- Pain Management
- Biomechanical Assessment
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Shockwave Therapy
- Group Class
Work Desk Injuries
Conditions such as stiffness, postural abnormalities and muscle overuse from prolonged desk work at the office or home is more prevalent than most would think. We provide the necessary tools to fix you up and educate you on ergonomics which can unload unnecessary stress.
Pre-Post-Surgical Conditions
Surgery involves going through preparation both before and after. Physiotherapists play a vital role in getting your body ready for surgeries with circulatory, breathing and strengthening exercises. After the procedure, let us be there for your recovery and rehabilitation, taking it one step at a time.
Scoliosis & Postural Abnormalities
The way we stand, sit, walk and sleep has influence over our posture and the overall balance of muscles controlling its alignment. A comprehensive screening can be done by our physiotherapists to detect abnormalities, which we will aid in correcting.
Neurological Conditions
Neurological disabilities such as stroke, nerve compression and neuropathies can be barriers for patients to live life to its fullest. We at Synapse are committed to help you overcome these hurdles by ensuring functional mobility and quality of life is at its optimum by providing the right treatment and exercises.
Osteoarthritis & Rheumatism
Joint degeneration and inflammation happens as the human body grows older, but that does not mean our way of life degenerates as well. Relief your joint pains with a joint effort together with your physiotherapist, who will provide pain-relief treatments and prescribe exercises for your wellbeing.
Conditions Relating To Elderly
Common conditions in the older age population include hips & knee pain, back & neck pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, fear of falling and many more. Aging and degeneration of bodily function is inevitable, but here at Synapse, we will help you live the best of your life.
Home Physiotherapy
We understand that some conditions or injuries can make it difficult to receive rehabilitation at our clinic be it mobility or transportation issues. Our objective is to provide you with the same high-quality physiotherapy services at home that you would receive in-clinic.