Many clients inquire about dry needling and whether our office offers this treatment. In short, dry needling is similar to acupuncture, and yes, we do provide this service.
What is Dry Needling in Seattle and Bellevue?
Dry needling is often not regarded as a form of acupuncture, however, in the eyes of the acupuncture world, it is, and is presented under a different name to address legal considerations. While the practice does not explicitly utilize traditional acupuncture meridians and systems, it is important to note that any needle inserted into a specific area may interact with nearby acupuncture pathways.
Training and Techniques
The knowledge and skills required for effective dry needling can vary significantly among practitioners. Many physical therapists receive limited training, typically consisting of a specific number of hours focused on needling techniques for problematic muscle areas. They may use larger and longer needles compared to those used by licensed acupuncturists depending on the area of concern.
Regardless of the practitioner, you can be assured that safety protocols are taught, minimizing the risks of complications such as puncturing a lung or organ.
Dry Needling in Acupuncture
Interestingly, dry needling techniques are also included in acupuncture training and are often referred to as "ashi" acupuncture, which involves searching for "qi" (energy). Acupuncturists may not employ these techniques as vigorously as physical therapists due to the potential for adverse reactions, such as prolonged soreness, however, are well trained with this type of needling and how to needle intramuscularly.
That said, dry needling can be highly effective, particularly for clients accustomed to therapeutic discomfort, such as those engaged in high-intensity workouts who appreciate post-treatment soreness.
Who Should Consider Dry Needling?
For clients who are not accustomed to intense treatments, a gentler approach may be more appropriate. Our skilled team members possess a minimum of a master’s degree in acupuncture and are trained to tailor treatments to meet each patient's unique needs.
If you have further questions about dry needling in Seattle or Bellevue or would like to explore the best treatment options for you, please do not hesitate to reach out via emailing hello@zentude.com or calling the nearest Zen Attitude Acupuncture to you.
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