Services
ACUPUNCTURE AND DRY NEEDLING
Acupuncture and dry needling treatment involve puncturing the skin with thin needles for therapeutic purposes. Dry needling therapy is used to release tension from knots and pressure points in muscles, while acupuncture treatment affects the nervous system and releases chemicals (endorphins) produced by the body to relieve stress and pain.
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body, at various depths. This is an ancient technique that was developed in China. Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture as a technique to balance the flow of energy or life force.
However, nowadays, acupuncture points are viewed as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissues in order to stimulate the body’s healing chemicals to aid recovery and enhance rehabilitation. Acupuncture treatment is mainly used to relieve discomfort that’s associated with medical conditions and diseases like:
- Dental pain
- Chemotherapy (induced and post-operative nausea and vomiting)
- Osteoarthritis
- Neck pain
- Low back pain
- Respiratory disorders
- Knee pain
- Migraines and headaches
In some cases, the needles may be heated or stimulated with electricity after being inserted into the body. Acupuncture treatment takes approximately 5-30 minutes, and the number of treatments needed depends on individual needs.
Dry needling
What is dry needling?
Dry needling, also called trigger point dry needling, involves the insertion of a fine filament needle into the muscle to relieve muscular pain as well as improve joint range of motion. Dry needling therapy is minimally invasive and effective in relieving acute and chronic pain, especially when used with other treatments like stretching, massage, electrical nerve stimulation and heat therapy.
Dry needling therapy is indicated to treat the following:
- Jaw and mouth problems like temporomandibular joint disorders
- Joint problems
- Muscle weakness
- Myofascial pain
- Pelvic pain
- Repetitive motion disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Reduced range of motion
- Spinal problems
The number of dry needling therapy sessions needed depends on individual needs. After the procedure, Phillo Beukes will recommend a stretching programme to help aid recovery.
