Acupuncture and Dry Needling at Siraguso Family Chiropractic

Acupuncture is based on your body’s natural energy flows. Using channels known as meridians, this energy is allocated to different areas in your body as needed. If your body experiences trauma or stress, a blockage can form in the meridian. By preventing the flow of energy to its destination, pain and weakness may occur.

Inserting very thin needles, acupuncture accesses your meridians at precise pressure points. This causes stimulation to nerves at the site and to your Central Nervous System. Natural, potent painkillers are then released easing your pain.

Acupuncture also promotes blood flow throughout the body. Circulating blood delivers oxygen, nutrients, immunity boosts, hormones, anti-inflammatories and more to the cells that need it. When blood flow is diminished by trauma, our body is unable to maintain good health.

Acupuncture has been shown to relax muscles shortened by injury. Joint and nerve pain reduce as well. Stress reduction is another benefit of acupuncture treatment. Promoting a calming effect, proper digestion and better sleep is something we all can benefit from.

Dry needling is holistic therapy as well, used mainly to help with sports injuries and rehabilitation. Focusing on muscles and the surrounding tissue, it provides needed pain relief.

Many people, medical personnel included, believe acupuncture and dry needling to be the same. Although they both work with the same needles, the two therapies use separate techniques and are based on different treatment philosophies.

Dry needling, also known as intramuscular stimulation, involves placing the needles at trigger points in your muscle or affected tissue. These points are generally hard or knotted; the needle helps to release the knot and stop muscle pain and spasms. Sometimes, dry needling will expand to include the area around the trigger point for better results.

Both therapies, while different, provide additional methods to treat our patients and ensure we’re doing everything we can to help them.

Acupuncture provides results for many of the same conditions as chiropractic. Many are surprised to find it’s painless. The effects on the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular and digestive systems have been extensively documented. Improvement has been seen in conditions like:

• Lower back pain or sciatica
• Neck pain, headaches and migraines
• TMJ
• Recurring knee/shoulder injuries
• Allergies and indigestion
• Depression
• Thyroid, hormone and fertility issues

Dry needling has been used to reduce painful knots and muscle spasms related to sports injuries. With virtually no side effects, it’s a useful therapy to help reduce pain and stimulate faster healing.