Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific locations on the body called acupuncture points, and is used at St. Vital Physiotherapy for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

The acupuncture points are usually close to the location of the pain, but occasionally can be quite distant from the painful area. Acupuncture works by stimulating your body to produce more endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers, as well as other neurological and physiological processes to help reduce pain and inflammation, and restore movement. An average acupuncture treatment consists of 6-8 needles which remain in their location for 15 minutes.

Dry needling is a more concentrated form of acupuncture that focuses on muscular “knots” or trigger points from a myofascial perspective. Also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS), dry needling involves inserting acupuncture needles directly into the tight area of muscle, and partially removing and inserting them again into a neighbouring area of muscle. Although there can be discomfort with the dry needling treatment, this repetitive, direct needle insertion causes the muscle tension to dissipate, and therefore reduces pain.

At St. Vital Physiotherapy all our practitioners are physiotherapists, and must complete a physiotherapy assessment before using acupuncture or dry needling as part of a complete treatment plan. If you are interested in determining if acupuncture or dry needling is appropriate for you, please mention this when booking your appointment to ensure your therapist is educated in this area.