Myofascial dry needling and medical acupuncture: Powerful complements to chiropractic care
Are you looking for dry needling and acupuncture in York delivered by a health care professional? Then look no further!
Jonathan Brack, our owner, is an experienced Chiropractor with a special interest in acupuncture. Jonathan runs two clinics a week dedicated to administering acupuncture and dry needling at Acomb Chiropractic Clinic.
Understanding acupuncture and dry needling
Here is a very brief overview of some of the philosophies of acupuncture and dry needling.
Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture is based around meridians, these are pathways mapped out in the body, which carry the body’s energy or life force (Qi – pronounced Chi). Needles are placed along these meridians in acupoints, which aims to restore the body’s Qi.
With westernised medical acupuncture, however, you will inevitably find most of the needles around the site of the patient’s complaint or site of pain, rather than following meridians (not that these are ignored entirely). Location and placement of the needles is still important, but this placement is also informed by musculoskeletal anatomy rather than just traditional Chinese meridians.
Dry needling is a method of acupuncture where the needles are inserted into muscles to treat pain and tension.
Jonathan uses a mixture of all three of the above philosophies.
How does acupuncture work?
Very simply put; pain relief happens by the needles re-training the nerves and brain to interpret stimulus differently. Chronic pain can often result in chronic pain cycles; where pain results in more pain. Acupuncture and dry needling can help break these cycles, and re-train the brain not to react as strongly to them, which in turn can depress pain cycles and reduce pain overall.
There is a lot of evidence supporting acupuncture for chronic pain conditions. The national institute of care and excellence (NICE) currently recommends considering acupuncture for chronic (long term) pain. As well as an effective stand-alone treatment for pain relief, it can also work well alongside other treatment modalities including chiropractic.
Giving a patient significant pain relief allows that person to gradually re-introduce ‘normal’ activities or activities that might have previously been avoided or feared due to pain. This pain relief allows for a more effective rehabilitative recovery.
Which conditions are suitable for acupuncture?
Acupuncture and dry needling can be used for both acute (recent) and chronic (long standing) issues. However, it is particularly effective for chronic mechanical pains. On your initial assessment we will review your problem and discuss whether acupuncture is an effective solution for you. If you’re not sure then call us and ask to speak to Jonathan, who will happily advise you on your best options.
Acupuncture can also be effective for pain relief when other treatments have previously failed.
Will acupuncture hurt?
The needles we use are high quality, disposable and single use. Acupuncture is often painless, there can sometimes be some mild discomfort during a session, but it is rarely described as painful. There can sometimes be some soreness for 24 to 48 hours after a treatment.
Safety and aftercare
Both dry needling and medical acupuncture are considered very safe when delivered by certified practitioners. To get the best results:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to treatment areas
- Hydrate well before and after your appointment to support circulation
- Expect mild soreness or light bruising, which typically resolves within 24–48 hours
- Apply ice or do some gentle stretching as recommended to ease post-treatment discomfort
- Report any unusual sensations so we can adjust your care plan promptly
These guidelines help you recover comfortably and maximise therapeutic benefits.
How much does acupuncture in York cost?
Dry needling and medical acupuncture at Acomb Chiropractic Clinic is £65 per 30-minute session. Your initial session is 60 minutes long to incorporate an assessment of your complaint (also £65).
Meet our owner
Jonathan Brack, owner and chiropractor at Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, has a special interest in dry needling and acupuncture, and runs two clinics a week dedicated to this effective treatment therapy.
‘I really enjoy this method of treatment. For the right patient, the pain relief from using needling can be fantastic. It is important to carefully assess patients for suitability, as needling is particularly effective in certain circumstances; such as chronic pain or arthritic pains. If you are not sure if needling is suitable for your problem, then give me a call and I would be happy to have a free chat to learn about you and your complaint, and discuss whether this is an appropriate option for you.’
With his twenty years of experience as a chiropractor, and comprehensive knowledge of mechanical complaints, Jonathan is very well informed to give you quality advice on what treatment option is best for you and your complaint.
Get in touch
At Acomb Chiropractic clinic in York, we provide medical acupuncture and dry needling in a specialist setting, and it is available as a separate treatment. You can also ask at reception if you are interested, or see our website for more information.
At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to helping you if we can. If you suspect that your discomfort may be helped by this treatment, we encourage you to contact us for a personalised consultation. Our experienced chiropractic team will conduct a thorough assessment, explain our findings and what we think is possible in clear terms. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals, aiming to maximise your possible benefit.
Not all complaints are suitable for chiropractic care or a specific treatment technique. If we think we cannot help your complaint, or you require more investigations, we will do our best to support you in finding another path forward.