What are the differences between dry needling and acupuncture?

Dry needling and acupuncture are similar in that they both involve the insertion of thin needles into the skin for therapeutic purposes.

However, there are some key differences between the two practices:

Training and background

Dry needling is typically performed by physiotherapists, who have received specific training in the technique. Acupuncture is typically performed by acupuncturists, who have received extensive training in traditional Chinese medicine.

Theory and philosophy

Dry needling is based on Western medical principles and is used to treat specific musculoskeletal conditions. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and is used to restore balance to the body's natural energy flow.

Needle insertion

Dry needling involves inserting needles into specific trigger points in the muscle to relieve pain and improve function. Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points on the body's energy meridians to restore balance and promote healing.

Length of treatment

Dry needling sessions are usually shorter in duration compared to acupuncture sessions.

Summary

Dry needling and acupuncture are two different practices that involve the use of needles for therapeutic purposes.

Dry needling is based on Western medical principles and is used to treat specific musculoskeletal conditions, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and is used to restore balance to the body's natural energy flow.

9 Benefits of Running For Knee Health

RUNNERS WORRIED ABOUT KNEE PAIN 💥

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It’s a no brainer - Running is without doubt THE best thing you can do for your knee 💪

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Here’s 9 reasons, off the top of my head…

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There are many more…feel free to add to the list in the comments below…

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And when someone asks, tell them👇

Running is like the the UV from the sun, it’s the DOSE that matters.

Excess UV sunlight contributes to skin cancer, BUT too little causes Vitamin D deficiency.

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So listen to your body, but don’t fear running as it’s THE best form of exercise to support your knee joint.

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If you need a little help getting your individual dose right, get in contact with a physio who also has a passion for running and knee health 😎

9 Benefits of Running For Knee Health

1. increases bone density - increases resilience of joint

2. Increases tendon capacity (eg Achilles calf spring that acts like a shock absorber for knee joint)

3. Cartilage health - loading stimulates growth of new cartilage

4. Eccentric muscle length and strength reduces knee joint compression

5. Low loads on knee cap (flat ground running) vs squats and lunges high knee cap loads causing accelerated joint wear

6. Improves metabolic health - leading to optimized weight (strength training increases muscle size so more load and weight for the joint)

7. Increased circulation through body - stimulating endorphins, optimize lymphatic drainage and flow

8. Natural and varied open environment with fresh air and sunshine

9. Able to train more consistently eg- when traveling

Is there a perfect posture?

“Our bodies love to relax” - Professor Peter O’Sullivan

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A really interesting conversation where the topic of ‘good’ posture while sitting is discussed.

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(Important) take home message

Don’t let anyone tell you there is a thing such as a ‘perfect’ posture.

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Regular change of position (including sitting back and relaxing in your chair) is an important part of having a healthy spine Listen to your body for its cue that it’s time to move.

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If you’ve had persistent back pain this podcast episode is absolute must!

My Pain Story - Joletta Belton

This is a brilliant insight of Joletta’s story of how she developed chronic pain and the long journey she took to a place of healing.

Joletta shares her wisdom and of the insights she gained from a roller coaster ride that started when she twinged her hip at work as a firefighter.

Hearing about her journey gives us all hope that there are solutions out there, and sometimes a shift in perspective and learning from the updated science of pain can be life changing.

PDF Download—> Joletta Belton: Explaining the Meanings of Pain, My Story

To hear more from Joletta, One Thing asked 10 experts in pain medicine to share the one thing they want people challenged by pain to know about.

View Joletta Belton’s response:

“If You Know How to Suffer, You Suffer Less”

This is the title of a talk given by Thich Nhat Hanh in 2013.

He presents some very practical tips.

I particularly enjoyed this part of the talk (around the 30 min mark).

“If you allow the energy of mindfulness and compassion to penetrate into your body, you can release the tension in your body very quickly.

If you surrender to the collective energy of mindfulness and peace and compassion, you can release the tension in your body and reduce the amount of pain in your body.

Then you feel much better after a few minutes of listening.

And if there is some fear, anger and despair or loneliness in your heart - open your heart.

This is the time.”