The word ‘acupuncture’ is derived from the Latin word acus (the needle) and means ‘puncturing of bodily tissue for the relief of pain’. It is performed by inserting needles of varying length and diameters into acupuncture points located throughout the body. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in China, but more recently has become part of conventional medicine. In fact the recent government guidelines for the treatment of Lower Back Pain (NICE guidelines: http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG88) recommend Acupuncture as an effective treatment for low back pain.
The exact mechanism of action continues to be studied. A recent study in the journal Nature, by a group of neuroscientists in the U.S has provided a good biological explanation. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10185247
At West London Physiotherapy we use a specific form of acupuncture called Dry Needling. This technique is used to reduce pain, and specifically to eliminate ‘trigger points’ in taut muscle bands. Dry needling of a myofascial trigger point will elicit a local twitch response, which is an involuntary spinal cord reflex that results in a gradual relaxation of the muscle and associated trigger point.
While patients often feel great relief following an acupuncture/dry needling session, we will often use it alongside other techniques to assist in maintaining the improved muscle function and joint movement.
If you have any further questions about Dry Needling or Acupuncture use our Ask a Physio box, and we’ll get back to you with all the information you need.
