Medical acupuncture, also known as dry needling, can relieve muscular tension by inserting acupuncture needles into specific muscular trigger points (very tight, tender, knotty spots in muscles involved in causing muscle pain and commonly found in acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders), stimulates the nerves in skin, muscle and other tissues, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the release of the body’s natural painkillers, including endorphin and serotonin, in the pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received by the brain.

Acupuncture treatment involves fine needles being inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with manual or electrical stimulation. The number of needles varies but may be only two or three. Each patient’s case is assessed by the practitioner and treatment tailored to the individual.