Amped Physiotherapy is pleased to have registered physiotherapists that offer both anatomical acupuncture and dry needling services. Acupuncture and dry needling are most effective as components of a well-rounded treatment plan that includes physiotherapy treatment, education, a home exercise program and self-management strategies.
If you are looking for information about dry needling or GunnIMS, click here (hot link to dry needling/GunnIMS page). If you are unsure how acupuncture and dry needling differ, read on for more information!
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique, involving the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific anatomical points on the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture, these points correspond to energy meridians in the human body. By stimulating points along these channels of energy with an acupuncture needle, you can improve energy (Qi) flow. Therapeutic effects of improved Qi flow include pain relief, increased energy, improved mood and improved overall function.
Physiotherapists practice what is generally described as “anatomical acupuncture”, the use of traditional acupuncture points based on the physiotherapist’s knowledge of anatomy and physiology, to manage pain and treat chronic conditions.
Acupuncture treatment generally involves needles being inserted and left in position for several minutes at a time.
While the same fine, sterile “acupuncture” needles are used for both acupuncture and dry needling techniques, the treatment approaches are very different.
Dry needling does not follow the Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture points or the energy meridians. Instead, dry needling is directed at tight bands of muscle, with the goal of creating a local “twitch response” – comparable to a small muscle cramp. The needles are inserted and removed after a response is achieved, rather than being left in position with traditional acupuncture treatment.
If you are looking for information about other needling techniques, such as dry needling or GunnIMS, click here .
Acupuncture can be used to help treat a wide variety of painful conditions, including:
As with any form of treatment, acupuncture is most effective as a component of a well-rounded treatment plan that includes physiotherapy treatment, education, a home exercise program and self-management strategies.
Physiotherapists who use acupuncture or dry needling as a treatment method are required to take advanced courses in acupuncture. These courses are provided by accredited programs, and require the physiotherapists to be trained and observed for their safety and accuracy.
Our acupuncture-trained physiotherapists, Stephanie and Jen, have taken anatomical acupuncture courses for registered health care professionals through Acupuncture Canada.
Our physiotherapists trained in dry needling are trained through Evidence in Motion/Kinetacore and the UBC GunnIMS teaching program.
Physiotherapists who use acupuncture or dry needling as a treatment method are also required to roster (or register) with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, and are held to a high standard of practice to ensure your safety and comfort during treatment. Your physiotherapist will discuss the assessment and treatment options with you, to determine the best approach for your care.
We offer affordable treatment plans at our physiotherapy clinic in Ottawa. Our team has been in this field for many years, and we know how important it is to find a qualified physiotherapist who understands the benefits of acupuncture. We also understand that finding a reliable health professional can be difficult.
(613) 822-9922
Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 8:00pm
Friday: 7:00am - 6:00pm
