At The Suffolk Clinic, we offer a range of advanced physiotherapy treatments to help you achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Among these are dry needling and acupuncture, two techniques that utilise fine needles to target pain, promote healing, and improve function. While these methods may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct approaches and purposes.
Dry needling is a modern therapeutic technique used primarily to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles directly into trigger points – specific taut bands of muscle that can cause pain, stiffness, or restricted movement.
Dry needling is commonly used for:
By targeting the source of your discomfort, dry needling can help to restore normal muscle function and reduce chronic pain patterns.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for thousands of years. It is based on the concept of balancing the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced ‘chi’), which flows through specific pathways called meridians. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into these meridians to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance.
Acupuncture is often used for:
In addition to its traditional foundations, acupuncture has gained recognition in Western medicine for its ability to stimulate the nervous system, enhance blood flow, and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Aspect | Dry Needling | Acupuncture |
---|---|---|
Origin | Modern Western medicine | Traditional Chinese medicine |
Focus | Targeting muscle trigger points and pain relief | Restoring energy balance and overall wellbeing |
Technique | Direct needle insertion into muscles | Needle insertion along energy meridians |
Purpose | Treating specific musculoskeletal issues | Holistic approach to physical and emotional health |
At The Suffolk Clinic, our expert physiotherapists will assess your individual needs and goals to recommend the best treatment plan for you. Whether you are looking for pain relief, enhanced recovery, or improved overall wellness, both dry needling and acupuncture offer powerful solutions tailored to your condition.
Book your consultation today and let us guide you towards a pain-free, balanced, and active life.
We offer something unique to our area: a Discovery Visit – a completely free appointment where you can meet us, have a coffee, discuss your goals, and tell us a bit about your problem.
If you’re struggling with a painful problem, ask us for some expert advice (with no obligation to commit). If you are curious about how we can help or need some guidance, we can answer your questions over the phone.
*Important Note: There is no treatment given at one of our discovery sessions. It’s for you to ask us more questions and for us to confirm whether or not we think we can help you.