Dry Needling and Acupuncture

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Introduction to Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Dry needling and acupuncture are highly effective treatment options for relieving muscle pain, tension, and chronic discomfort. These therapies involve the use of fine needles inserted into specific points of the body to release muscle tension and promote natural healing. While both treatments involve needles, the approaches are distinct in their techniques and applications.

At our clinic, we offer dry needling and acupuncture to help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with tight muscles, chronic pain, or injuries, our customized treatment plans aim to provide relief by addressing the root causes of discomfort.

Benefits of Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Both dry needling and acupuncture offer numerous benefits for patients experiencing pain or discomfort. Some of the primary advantages include:
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Effective Pain Relief

Both treatments are known for their ability to reduce pain in muscles, joints, and other areas affected by tension or injury. By releasing trigger points and promoting circulation, patients often experience immediate and long-term relief from pain.
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Improved Muscle Function

Dry needling is particularly effective for improving muscle function by releasing tightness and restoring range of motion, making it ideal for athletes or those recovering from injury.
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Enhanced Natural Healing

Acupuncture helps stimulate the body’s own healing processes, encouraging faster recovery from injury and illness while improving overall balance. 
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Non-Invasive Treatment

Both dry needling and acupuncture are minimally invasive treatments, using tiny needles to achieve significant results without the need for surgery or medication.
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Holistic Approach to Health

Acupuncture offers a holistic approach, considering the entire body’s well-being rather than focusing solely on the area of pain. This can lead to improvements in other areas of health, including mental well-being and sleep.
Testimonial

Clients Feedback

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  • Dr. Harman Braich is excellent to his specialty.He always goes and beyond explaining about my concern. He explained every details as per my neck injury. He guide me through the… read more

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    I’ve been seeing Dr Baich at Creekwood Physiotherapy in chappelle and the experience has been outstanding. From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming and professional. Dr.… read more

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    Dr. Braich is a knowledgeable and experienced expert in his field. I felt a positive difference after my first session with him.

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  • I can’t recommend Dr. Braich enough in helping me identify the cause of my hip tightness and lower back pain! The pain I was feeling was preventing me from doing… read more

    Crystal Arrand Avatar Crystal Arrand

    Dr. Harman is very experienced and knowledgeable. I injured my groin muscle in a game last summer, Tried many physio sessions and remedies which didn’t helped me to get… read more

    Abel Thomas Avatar Abel Thomas

    The BEST chiropractor EVER. I had a car accident few years ago and the pain just never went away no matter how many treatments I had. But that changed after… read more

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  • I visited Dr. Harman Braich at Creekwood Physiotherapy for severe and ongoing lower back pain, and I couldn’t be happier with the treatment I received. Dr. Braich is not only… read more

    Ayman Boutros Avatar Ayman Boutros

    Dr. Braich is the best! Fixed my back pain and I couldn’t be happier! His team is very friendly and organized. Highly recommend!

    Matt Borth Avatar Matt Borth

    Dr.Braich has been the best in helping me get back to normal with my body. His attentiveness and ability to explain things simply have been refreshing. Anyone looking for a… read more

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  • Dr Braich is very knowledgeable and professional. He explains everything very well to ensure you understand the cause of the problem and how to prevent/limit it in the future. Highly… read more

    Ketu Patel Avatar Ketu Patel

    I have been going to Chiro and physio for over 15 years as I grew up playing competitive sports. I have lived in both Edmonton and Calgary, having experience with… read more

    Shannon Sidhu Avatar Shannon Sidhu

    Dr. Braich is truly heaven sent! He is very professional, knowledgeable and has been an integral part of my goal towards functioning with less to no pain especially with my… read more

    Joy Avatar Joy
  • It’s a great place to go! They helped me out a lot with my back! Gave me advice to help prevent this from happening again in the future!

    Montana Quindinho Avatar Montana Quindinho

    My husband and I had such a good experience working with Dr. Braich. He is very professional and knows how to communicate in a way that makes sense. He reassured… read more

    Roselle Agustin Avatar Roselle Agustin

    I was amazed at the care I received by Dr. Braich. He is very professional and personable. In my 5 years of searching for the right chiropractor, I have finally… read more

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  • Extremely friendly, professional and very informative. Dr Harman is top notch.

    Ashton Avatar Ashton

    Most knowledgeable doctor i have ever seen. I was suffering from chronic shoulder problems and he was able to fix almost all my issues in just four treatments (… read more

    Arsh Gill Avatar Arsh Gill

    Like a lot of people, I grew up with a mom who told me to never see a chiropractor because they would wreck my body, so I suffered for ten… read more

    Alacja Coulter Avatar Alacja Coulter
  • Harman was an excellent practicioner to work with. Harman evaluated my issue and provided me with a wholistic approach. He made a plan that supplemented the chiro work with… read more

    Paul Sandhu Avatar Paul Sandhu

    Dr. Braich is so lovely to work with. He is excellent at what he does and takes time to communicate and to help you in any way he can.… read more

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    I want to thank Dr. Harman Braich for fixing my back pain. I had hurt my back, couldn’t move and any movement I made I had this very sharp pain… read more

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  • Dr. Braich is a professional and knowledgeable chiropractor. My experience had been great with him. He was able to explain the cause of my shoulder pain and advise me a… read more

    Nuzhat Butt Avatar Nuzhat Butt

    Key important note is that Dr. Harman Braich is detailed and really cares. He’s upfront and frank in his professional consultations which is a breadth of fresh air. Thank… read more

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    We recently moved to Edmonton from Ontario . My husband has back issues . He needed to see a chiropractor! I looked at reviews and made the decision to… read more

    Holly Avatar Holly
  • I highly recommend Dr Braich! I’ve been to other places where they’ve temporarily eased problems, but have always been rushed through and didn’t feel personable. Dr Braich has been extremely… read more

    Brandon Brett Avatar Brandon Brett

    I’m so grateful that I found Dr. Braich. After just one session, I felt a significant improvement. He’s also the most personable Dr. I’ve encountered and has such a… read more

    Harman Kandola Avatar Harman Kandola

    It was Satisfactory

    George-murphy Ugorji Avatar George-murphy Ugorji
  • I’d never tried Chiropractic treatment before. Like many I was a tad nervous but Dr. Harman made me feel at ease with his experience and explanations. I came in with… read more

    Blessy Levin Avatar Blessy Levin

    Dr.Harman Braich is a great chiropractor.I was a new patient and had a terrible headache and lot of pain in my upper back.After two adjustment ,i was so much better… read more

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    The clinic is a valued member of the business community. Dr. Harman was very personable and took the time to listen to my concerns. He did a great job at… read more

    Christopher Roberts Avatar Christopher Roberts

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where thin, solid needles are inserted into muscle trigger points—tight knots of muscle that can cause pain and restrict movement. By targeting these points, dry needling helps to release muscle tightness, reduce pain, and improve blood flow, promoting healing in the affected area.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body’s energy flow, dry needling is rooted in modern western medicine and focuses specifically on relieving muscular pain and dysfunction. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as muscle strains and spasms, chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and migraines, as well as tendonitis and joint pain. Dry needling is often integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan, allowing patients to experience faster recovery and longer-lasting results.

Person receiving acupuncture treatment on their arm in a clinical setting.

The Dry Needling and Acupuncture Process

At our clinic, the process for dry needling and acupuncture begins with a thorough consultation and assessment of your specific condition. We’ll determine the areas of tension, pain, or injury and tailor the treatment to address these issues effectively.

Initial Consultation: Your session will start with a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. This helps us determine whether dry needling, acupuncture, or a combination of both is the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Needle Insertion: For dry needling, thin needles are inserted into specific muscle trigger points to release tension and relieve pain. For acupuncture, needles are placed along the body’s energy meridians to restore balance and improve overall health.

Treatment Session: Depending on your needs, the session may last between 20 and 40 minutes. You may feel a slight prick during needle insertion, followed by a sensation of muscle release or relaxation as the treatment takes effect.

Follow-Up Care: Many patients experience immediate relief after just one session, but for chronic conditions or severe tension, multiple sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal results. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments as necessary to monitor your progress.

 

A person receives acupuncture with several needles inserted into their back.

Common Conditions Treated with Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Dry needling and acupuncture are versatile treatments used to address a wide variety of conditions, including:

Tension headaches: By relieving muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders, these therapies can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Muscle pain and tightness: Dry needling is particularly effective for addressing knots or spasms in the muscles.

Joint pain and arthritis: Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and pain in joints affected by arthritis or injury.

Chronic pain conditions: Both treatments are valuable for managing chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, which can affect muscles and joints throughout the body.

Safety and Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Dry needling and acupuncture are both safe and effective treatments when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. While some patients may experience mild soreness or bruising at the needle sites, serious side effects are rare.

Numerous studies support the use of acupuncture for a variety of conditions, particularly pain relief, stress management, and the treatment of chronic conditions. Dry needling is also supported by clinical evidence, showing its effectiveness in reducing muscle tension, improving mobility, and relieving pain.

Both therapies are excellent alternatives to more invasive treatments or medications, offering a natural and holistic approach to pain management and healing.

Three acupuncture needles inserted into a person's skin, with a white towel visible in the foreground.

Relieve Muscle Tension with Dry Needling and Acupuncture

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, or injury, dry needling and acupuncture may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. Contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how these therapies can help you feel better, move more freely, and improve your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Acupuncture session with multiple needles inserted into a person's back.

Dry needle therapy is a treatment technique that involves inserting a thin, solid needle into specific points in the body to relieve pain and improve function. This technique is often used to target trigger points in muscles, which are tight areas that can cause localized pain, known as myofascial pain. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needle is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on anatomical and physiological principles.

The benefits of dry needling include pain relief, improved range of motion, and enhanced muscle function. It is particularly effective for treating conditions like musculoskeletal pain and low back pain. By targeting trigger points, dry needle therapy can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. Research indicates that dry needling can also stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, leading to quicker recovery times.

Dry needling is generally considered to be a safe practice when performed by a qualified practitioner, such as a licensed chiropractor. The Canadian Chiropractic Association supports the use of dry needling in clinical practice, stating that it can be an effective component of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, including soreness at the insertion site and, in rare cases, more serious complications.

The most common risks of dry needling include temporary soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the needle insertion site. Some patients may experience dizziness or fainting during or after a dry needling session. Serious complications, though rare, can include infection or nerve damage. It’s essential to discuss any health concerns with your practitioner before beginning treatment.