Acupuncture & Electroacupuncture (Integrated Needling)

Modern needling, not traditional acupuncture

"Integrated needling" describes the modern, evidence-based use of fine filiform needles to influence the neuromusculoskeletal system. It includes dry needling, trigger-point needling, and electroacupuncture (electrical stimulation through the needles). It's framed within current understanding of pain modulation, descending inhibition, and local tissue physiology — not traditional meridian theory.

What the evidence supports

• Chronic low back pain — needling produces modest pain and function improvements as part of a multimodal plan (Cochrane reviews; NICE NG59).
• Myofascial pain syndromes — trigger-point needling has moderate evidence for short-term pain reduction.
• Tension-type and migraine headache — acupuncture reduces frequency and intensity (Cochrane 2016 review).
• Knee osteoarthritis — acupuncture as an adjunct to exercise has small but real effects (OARSI guidelines).

How I use needling

Always paired with rehab. Needling can quiet down a hyperactive muscle or modulate pain enough to make exercise possible — but the structural change comes from progressive loading, not from the needles. If we use needling, we use it strategically, then load the tissue afterwards.

What to expect

Single-use sterile needles, very fine (about the diameter of a human hair). Most patients describe a mild ache or pressure sensation when the needle reaches the target tissue. Electroacupuncture adds a gentle tapping sensation. Treatment typically takes 10–20 minutes.

Is it safe?

Adverse events are rare. The most common is mild post-treatment soreness lasting 24–48 hours. Serious complications are extremely rare when performed by a trained clinician with appropriate screening.