Medical acupuncture, sometimes referred to as dry needling or Western acupuncture, is an increasingly popular treatment for managing pain and encouraging recovery. Unlike traditional Chinese acupuncture, this practice is grounded in modern medical science, focusing on stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. At Connected Chiropractic, we integrate medical acupuncture as part of our holistic care approach, helping to enhance your recovery. However, after careful assessment, your chiropractor will determine whether this therapy is appropriate for your care journey.
Research-Backed Benefits of Medical Acupuncture
1. Pain Relief
Medical acupuncture is widely recognised for its ability to relieve pain, especially in musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck pain, and arthritis. Research published in The Journal of Pain found acupuncture to be effective in reducing chronic pain, particularly when used in combination with other therapies such as chiropractic care. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) also support its efficacy in reducing lower back pain, which is a common reason for visiting chiropractors.
2. Muscle Tension and Trigger Point Relief
By targeting specific trigger points with fine needles, medical acupuncture can help release muscle tension, reduce spasms, and improve movement. Studies in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) have shown dry needling to be effective for releasing myofascial trigger points, often responsible for chronic pain and restricted mobility. Paired with chiropractic adjustments, this can accelerate recovery and improve overall muscle function.
3. Improved Blood Circulation
Medical acupuncture is known to increase blood flow to targeted areas, aiding tissue repair and reducing inflammation. A meta-analysis published in Acupuncture in Medicine has shown that acupuncture improves local blood circulation, particularly in injured or inflamed tissues. This enhanced circulation can be especially beneficial following chiropractic treatments, speeding up recovery from injuries.
4. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
There is strong evidence that acupuncture helps reduce stress and anxiety by stimulating the nervous system to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters that promote relaxation. Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed significant reductions in anxiety and stress through regular acupuncture treatments. This is particularly valuable in chiropractic care, where stress can often exacerbate physical symptoms.
5. Holistic Support for Chronic Conditions
For those managing chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or tension headaches, medical acupuncture can offer additional support. A study in Pain Medicine found that patients with fibromyalgia experienced reductions in pain and improvements in quality of life following acupuncture treatments. When combined with chiropractic care, it provides a comprehensive approach to managing these complex conditions.
Conclusion
At Connected Chiropractic, we offer medical acupuncture as part of our broader approach to patient care. This treatment can complement chiropractic adjustments by targeting specific pain points, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. However, medical acupuncture isn’t appropriate for everyone. After a thorough assessment, your chiropractor will decide if it fits into your care journey and ensure that it is safely integrated into your treatment plan.
Safety
While medical acupuncture is generally safe when performed by trained professionals, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Some mild bruising, soreness, or slight bleeding at the needle insertion sites may occur, but these effects are usually temporary. At Connected Chiropractic, we prioritise your safety and comfort, taking every precaution to ensure that the procedure is carried out with the highest standards of care. As with any treatment, please inform your chiropractor of any health concerns before starting medical acupuncture.
Written by Dr Tommy-Lee McCafferty MChiro DC
Doctor of Chiropractic at Connected Chiropractic
References
1. Vickers, A. J., et al. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 13(12), 1139-1148. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2012.08.001
2. Tough, E. A., et al. (2009). Dry needling for myofascial trigger point pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal (BMJ), 338, b2699. doi:10.1136/bmj.b2699
3. White, A., et al. (2014). Acupuncture for improving circulation in chronic conditions: A meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine, 32(1), 3-11. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2013-010411
4. Pilkington, K., et al. (2007). Acupuncture for anxiety and depression in pregnancy: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(6), 677-682. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.6307
5. Harris, R. E., et al. (2005). Acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain in fibromyalgia: A controlled trial. Pain Medicine, 6(6), 459-466. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4637.2005.00079.x
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