Acupuncture

Reducing pain, improving flexibility...

Paola Ash

Acupuncture Treatment (dry needling)

How does acupuncture work?

Western medical acupuncture, also known as dry needling, involves inserting single use sterile dry thin needles which are very fine (hair like) needles into specific points ‘trigger points’ or chronically contracted muscle. Dry needling these areas thus helps to reduce increased tone or contractures. They also assist in the neural messages to the muscles so improve overall muscle tone and reducing pain improving flexibility.

Moreover, needle insertion has different methods. Even pressure point therapy can be used as an alternative if necessary when someone is very nervous. Likewise, stronger techniques can then be used such as periosteal acupuncture in pain and stubborn conditions to stimulate electroanalgesia partially mediated centrally, (otherwise known as the brain), endogenous also known as inherently within the body releasing our own opioids. (Brown, 2005).

Acupucture can be used to treat plantar fasciopathy, achilles tendinopathy, shin splints (tibial medial stress syndrome), knee and big toe arthritis as well as other foot and ankle conditions.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture works by balancing the small nerve bundles found in the fascia deep to the skin.
Reduction of Inflammation can also be noted by assisting to regulate sensory, vascular as well as muscular small nerve bundle.
Patients can also describe warmth which assist to reduce pain. The larger diameter nerve A delta fibers are those that transmit the acute sharp pain that people report.
Patients can report feelings of well being as increased endorphins and opioids are also released with dry needling.
The reduction of muscle contracture, improvement of muscle resting tone can also be noted.

What illnesses can an acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture supports your body’s natural ability to heal. It is used to treat a wide range of injuries as well as conditions. Acupuncture can then help with:

Musculoskeletal injuries, including injuries of the neck, shoulder, lower back, knee and also ankle
Digestive issues
Sleep Disorders
Weight Management
Headache
Anxiety
Osteoarthritis
Sciatica
Morning sickness & other pregnancy related symptoms
High and low blood pressure

Here at The Chelsea Clinic, we also offer Electroacupuncture Service. Electroacupuncture (EA) uses low flow electrical currents via a device that is attached to the needles during an acupuncture treatment. The sensation experienced during electroacupuncture is one of tingling and described as relaxing and pleasant. The surrounding tissues begin to alter and then stimulate internal change.

At the Chelsea clinic, we will discuss the benefits of selecting this treatment for you and go through the best ways to target which ever condition you may present with as well as alternative options. – South Kensington Podiatrist

Read our article about Low Level IV Laser here https://thechelseaclinic.uk/low-level-iv-laser/

Read our article about Faulknor’s Method of Verruca Needling here https://thechelseaclinic.uk/faulknors-method-of-verruca-needling/