Acupuncture/Dry Needling

What is the difference between dry needling and Acupuncture?

Acupuncture and dry needling originated in traditional Chinese culture; however its ability to help relieve pain stimulated western interest. Western medical acupuncture  or dry needling uses the same needles and often the same acupuncture points as traditional Chinese acupuncture. The only difference is the theory underpinning the technique.

Western acupuncture has been clinically proven to help improve many musculoskeletal conditions, so much so that it is recommended in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for chronic pain. “Consider offering a course of acupuncture needling comprising up to a maximum of 10 sessions.” (NICE 2021)

Will it work for me?

Research has shown that most people gain relief from acupuncture and this is in part due to the release of chemicals like endorphins and serotonin into the body during acupuncture which are pain-inhibiting chemicals. The scientific proof gained from the research base allows acupuncture to be integrated with conventional medicine. Clinical trials provide evidence that acupuncture has a powerful and sustained effect on musculoskeletal pain. It is now commonly used in Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Sports Therapy and pain clinics as a compliment to conventional medicine.

The Evidence

Acupuncture and dry needling are effective in the treatment of:

• Migraines, neck disorders, tension type headaches , and peripheral joint osteoarthritis (Lee & Ernst 2011)
• Osteoarthritis – The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (Zhang et al. 2008)
• Chronic low back pain (Huffman 2007, Manheimer et al. 2005)
• The combination of acupuncture and conventional therapy was better than conventional therapy alone (Manheimer et al. 2005).

Is it safe?

Acupuncture and dry needling are safe when practiced by a qualified Physiotherapist, Osteopath or Sports Therapist who has had extra training in acupuncture. There are strict hygiene guidelines: We use a no touch technique and the needles are single use, disposable, pre-sterilised and individually packaged. They are also supplied in guidance tubes for easy insertion, with no risk of anything touching the needle during the process.

Are there any side effects?

Minor side effects could occasionally include: Bleeding and Bruising (3%), mild aggravation of symptoms (3%, of which 70-85% show subsequent improvement), mild pain at needle site (1%), drowsiness (1%), dizziness (0.6%), pain not at needle site (0.5%), nausea (0.3%), feeling faint (0.3%), stuck or bent needle (0.1%), headache (0.1%), allergy or infection (upto 0.2%) and pneumothorax (0.0002% / less than 2 per million).

Serious side effects include (VERY RARE): Damage to internal organ from the needle insertion, infection, and premature onset of labour in pregnancy.

Although acupuncture and dry needling are an established procedure, there may be other adverse effects that have not been recorded. If you experience any of the above or notice anything unusual about you health following your treatment, then you should contact your therapist or GP straight away.

What does it involve?

Your therapist will normally use between 2-16 needles which can stay in for up to twenty-five minutes. During the treatment your therapist may stimulate the needles by gently moving them. Acupuncture and dry needling should not be painful because the needles are fine and inserted quickly through the skin. However, some people will experience a pin-prick sensation. Once the needles are in place you may feel a mild ache, numbness, or heavy sensation around the needle. This should not be unpleasant. This is a sign that endorphins and other relieving chemicals are being released.

If you wish to book a dry needling appointment online, please book a physiotherapy appoitment and write in the booking notes that you would like dry needling.

What is the difference between dry needling and Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in traditional Chinese culture; however its ability to help relieve pain stimulated western interest. Western medical acupuncture  or dry needling uses the same needles and often the same acupuncture points as traditional Chinese acupuncture. The only difference is the theory underpinning the technique.

Western acupuncture has been clinically proven to help improve many musculoskeletal conditions, so much so that it is recommended in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for lower back pain. “Consider offering a course of acupuncture needling comprising up to a maximum of 10 sessions over a period of up to 12 weeks.” (NICE 2009)

Will it work for me?

Research has shown that most people gain relief from acupuncture and this is in part due to the release of chemicals like endorphins and serotonin into the body during acupuncture which are pain-inhibiting chemicals. The scientific proof gained from the research base allows acupuncture to be integrated with conventional medicine. Clinical trials provide evidence that acupuncture has a powerful and sustained effect on musculoskeletal pain. It is now commonly used in Physiotherapy and pain clinics as a compliment to conventional medicine.

The Evidence

Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of:

• Migraines, neck disorders, tension type headaches , and peripheral joint osteoarthritis (Lee & Ernst 2011)
• Osteoarthritis – The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (Zhang et al. 2008)
• Chronic low back pain (Huffman 2007, Manheimer et al. 2005)
• The combination of acupuncture and conventional therapy was better than conventional therapy alone (Manheimer et al. 2005).

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is safe when practiced by a qualified Physiotherapist who has had extra training in acupuncture. There are strict hygiene guidelines: the needles are single use, disposable, pre-sterilised and individually packaged. They are also supplied in guidance tubes for easy insertion, with no risk of anything touching the needle during the process.

Are there any side effects?

Minor side effects could occasionally include: drowsiness post treatment, mild bruising at the needle site, temporary pain increase, fainting, minor bleeding.

Serious side effects include (VERY RARE)
Damage to internal organ from the needle insertion, infection, and premature onset of labour in pregnancy.

What does it involve?

Your Physiotherapist will normally use between 2-16 needles which can stay in for up to twenty-five minutes. During the treatment your Physiotherapist may stimulate the needles by gently moving them. Acupuncture should not be painful because the needles are fine and inserted quickly through the skin. However, some people will experience a pin-prick sensation. Once the needles are in place you may feel a mild ache, numbness, or heavy sensation around the needle. This should not be unpleasant. This is a sign that endorphins and other relieving chemicals are being released.

If you wish to book a dry needling appointment online, please book a physiotherapy appoitment and write in the booking notes that you would like dry needling.