Treatments offered at Omagh & Strabane Osteopathy

Acupuncture

Western Medical Acupuncture (also known as dry needling) involves inserting fine needles into the muscles/ fascia for a therapeutic effect. It is a very successful medical treatment without using medication to achieve its aim. It is not the same as acupuncture. Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, whereas Dry Needling is a western medical technique.  It is an adaptation of the Chinese method just using modern up-to-date knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It is relatively pain free method and highly useful in treatment for soft tissue injuries.  

 How does it work?

When the needle is inserted into the skin, nerve fibres are stimulated sending a message to the brain via the spinal cord consequently changing the way your body senses pain.  This releases endorphin hormones, into the body to the site of the needle’s insertion. It helps with blocking pain signals (think of it as the body is realising its own natural pain killer). Consequently, helping the body to heal stubborn muscle spasms associated with trigger points (myofascial effects). There are additional electrical and chemical changes associated with the Dry Needling Therapy which assist in the healing process. It is important to see the needles as just one part of your overall rehabilitative treatment. Dry Needling is not a miracle cure – it is a tool within Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatment.  

What is acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture may be useful for:

• Headache including chronic headaches

• Tennis/Golfers elbow

• Myofascial pain

• Soft Tissue damage

• Osteoarthritis

• Knee pain

• Low/Upper back pain

• Sinus issues