Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points. The goal is to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, promoting pain relief and facilitating the body's natural healing processes. Acupuncture may modulate pain perception, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. In physiotherapy, acupuncture is often used as an adjunct therapy to manage musculoskeletal pain, neurological conditions, and other health issues.
Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots within muscles associated with palpable nodules or bands. Thin needles are inserted directly into these points to elicit a local twitch response, which can help release muscle tension and alleviate pain. Dry needling aims to disrupt dysfunctional muscle activity and restore normal muscle function. It is commonly used in physiotherapy to treat musculoskeletal pain, muscle tightness, and movement impairments.
