Sometimes the most effective treatment involves going a little deeper. Both acupuncture and dry needling use fine needles to target pain, promote healing, and restore function and at New Plymouth Physiotherapy, our physios are qualified to use both as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body to ease pain, promote healing, and support general wellbeing. Our physiotherapists hold post-graduate qualifications in acupuncture and can combine it seamlessly with hands-on treatment.
What to expect:
- Needles are extremely fine and are barely felt when inserted
- The physiotherapist will place disposable needles at specific points
- Needles may be gently stimulated by twisting or a small electrical pulse – you may feel a mild aching sensation
- Needles are typically left in for up to 30 minutes depending on the treatment required
- Occasionally a needle may be taped in place for a few days
- Needle-free acupuncture-like treatment is also available
Conditions we treat with acupuncture:
- Acute and chronic injuries
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle and joint problems
- Nerve pain
- Arthritis and rheumatism
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
Dry Needling
Dry needling targets dysfunctional or altered tissues — such as myofascial trigger points and soft tissues — to relieve pain and restore normal function. It’s grounded in current pain science and uses the same fine filament needle as acupuncture, but with a different therapeutic focus.
Dry needling works best in combination with manual therapy and exercise, and our physios use it as part of a wider treatment approach to get you the best possible outcome.
Conditions we treat with dry needling:
- Acute trauma
- Swelling
- Sprained joints
- Strained muscles and tendons
- Soft tissue injury
- Spinal dysfunction
