Dry Needling

Associated Therapists

Helen Medlicott

What is medical acupuncture/ dry needling?

It is a therapy that has been used in China for over 3,000 years, and more recently has taken off in the Western World since 1972. Medical acupuncture/ dry needling is a therapeutic method used to encourage the body to promote natural healing and improve function using stimulated /unstimulated fine needles inserted into carefully chosen points.

Medical acupuncture /dry needling are the interchangeable terms for the Western form of acupuncture. It is generally used primarily to treat musculoskeletal problems, although it can be effective in a wide range of painful conditions such as headaches, migraines, “trapped” nerves, chronic muscular strains and rheumatic /arthritic pain.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture and Western medical acupuncture /dry needling differ in their approach to diagnosis and method of treatment. Traditional Chinese acupuncture looks at the tongue and peripheral pulses, and select points according to traditional concepts eg treatment time of day, and the way the needles are stimulated by moxa (heat) or needle manipulation (rotation or lift and thrust). Western medical acupuncture /dry needling is based on orthodox medical diagnosic approach and points are based on traditional Chinese acupuncture points and/or neurophysiological principles (i.e. based on nerve supply /associated muscles, tendons, bones etc).

How does it work?

Again, this explanation differs between traditional Chinese acupuncture and Western medical acupuncture. The traditional Chinese attitude is that the body is full of channels of Qi (energy) called meridians, and insertion of needles help to unblock any obstructions in the flow of energy. The scientific (Western) explanation is that the insertion of needles stimulates the nervous system to trigger chemical/hormone release to influence the body’s self-healing mechanism. Research has proved that acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural pain-killers (Endorphin and Serotonin) thereby modifying the way pain signals are received via pathways in the spinal cord and brain. This causes an increase in the sense of well-being.

What conditions can be treated?

I primarily use osteopathic techniques complemented by medical acupuncture /dry needling, if appropriate, to treat a range of conditions including:
-pain relief
-osteoarthritis
-joint dysfunctions (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee etc)
-back pain
-muscular tension/ stress
-trigger /tender point release
-headaches
-tennis /golfer’s elbow
-“sciatica”
-piriformis syndrome
-sinus problems

What should I expect?

As with osteopathy, a full case history is taken, examination performed, diagnosis given and treatment options discussed. The number of treatments needed depends entirely on the condition and the individual; this too would be discussed. Few side-effects of acupuncture are reported, although these also depend on the individual. As with osteopathy, symptoms can be temporarily aggravated after acupuncture treatment, although these should settle within 24-48 hours. You may also notice mild changes in appetite, sleep, bowel and bladder function and emotional state. A common symptom reported after treatment is a state of relaxation or mild disorientation. It is therefore advised that, if at all possible, you should consider arranging someone else to do the driving after your treatment, and that you relax for the day after receiving acupuncture. Follow-up advice will also be given at the end of the consultation.

Does it hurt? 

Acupuncture /dry needling is generally painless; the single-use sterile needles are very fine and so are not as painful as those used for injections and blood sampling. Some patients report a “warm” feeling at the site of the needle, although again the feeling depends entirely on the individual- some patients feel nothing at all.

How is medical acupuncture regulated?

The BMAS (British Medical Acupuncture Society), formed in 1980, is a registered charity established to regulate the health professionals who practise medical acupuncture alongside their normal techniques. For further details please contact the BMAS on www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk

Blood donation following acupuncture (Source: BMAS- The British Medical Acupuncture Society)

Patients who have received acupuncture are still able to give blood providing they meet certain criteria. The National Blood Service guidelines are explained below:
 National Blood Service (NBS) Guidelines:
1. Patients must not donate (obligatory):
If the condition for which treatment was given is not acceptable to the NBS.
If it is less than 12 months since treatment was completed for that condition.
2. Patients may donate (discretionary):
If acupuncture has been performed under the NHS.
If acupuncture has been performed outside the NHS by a GMC registered doctor OR by a nurse registered with the NMC.
3. Patients may donate if they hold a certificate confirming that the acupuncturist is registered with:
Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP)
British Council for Acupuncture (BAcC)
General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
The BMAS is currently seeking to be added to this list of authorised agencies.
4. If none of the above apply...
...the donation will be tested for Hepatitis B core antibody: it will be accepted if given six months after the acupuncture treatment AND antibody is negative.

This information is correct as of the 19 September 2007.