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Understanding the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Since the dawn of humanity, people have experimented with different methods to treat or cure every malady under the sun. For more than two millennia, Chinese medical practitioners have used acupuncture with patients suffering from a wide range of conditions. More recently, dry needling has become popular among those who practice Western medicine. However, many still do not understand the difference between acupuncture and dry needling in Brampton.

Understanding acupuncture

An ancient method for treating pain, stress and discomfort, the practice of acupuncture therapy in Brampton continues to offer patients relief from a number of issues. Acupuncture aims to open the body’s pathways, also called meridians. This allows for the improved flow of a person’s life force, also called Qi or Chi, which can then rebalance the entire system.

By strategically placing long, thin needles in the skin, acupuncturists are provoking a response from the nerves lying beneath the surface.  During an acupuncture session, your practitioner may manipulate these needles by moving them, heating them up or running mild electric pulses through them. These needles remain in your skin for up to 20 minutes and are then removed to provide relief.

What is dry needling?

While acupuncture and dry needling in Brampton seem like the same practices, the difference lays in the methodology behind both ideologies. While acupuncture is firmly rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling relies on procedures established through research conducted by Western medical practitioners.

Also called trigger point dry needling and intramuscular therapy, this method of pain management uses trigger points to dictate the placement of thin, filiform needles. A trigger point is a tender area on your body caused by tense muscles within a larger muscle group. This practice allows a physical therapist to increase blood flow to the area while decreasing strain or tightness on the muscles.

How do these two practices compare?

Yes, both acupuncture and dry needling in Brampton use needles to treat pain, loss of mobility and stress. Other than that, the two practices are very different. If you think about it, a lot of medical treatments involve needles. Vaccinations, blood draws, IV lines and so on are just a few ways doctors, nurses and other medical professionals use needles in their everyday work.

These two forms of therapy use very different science and reasoning to guide their practices. The training for dry needling varies greatly from the training required to become an acupuncturist. Anyone who has tried both forms of physical therapy can tell you how much these techniques differ from one another.

If you are exploring your options for pain relief, you’ve probably read a lot about acupuncture therapy in Brampton. A certified acupuncturist at Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic can transform the way you feel in your body and address chronic pain issues you’ve battled for years. Many people are dissuaded because they are unsettled about having needles in their skin for an extended period of time. We can assure you this practice is both safe and effective.

Get in touch with us today to schedule your acupuncture appointment.

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