Acupuncture, or dry needling, is a method of treatment that has been used to help manage pain for almost 5000 years. Acupuncture involves placing very thin needles in specific acupuncture points across the body. Dry needling typically focuses on releasing trigger points or “knots” in muscles but works in essentially the same way. Therapists use sterile, single use, disposable needles to ensure the safety of clients. Acupuncture/dry needling is most commonly used in conjunction with other therapies to treat pain, both acute and chronic, as well as headaches, muscle spasms, tenderness, and inflammation.

Although rare, some side effects of acupuncture may include:

• short periods of nausea or lightheadedness
• bruising at the site of needle placement

It is also completely normal to feel an increased sense of fatigue or relaxation after an acupuncture treatment.