Dry Needling  or Trigger point Acupuncture aka orthopedic needling, sports acupuncture

Chronic or acute pain caused by injuries, ie: sports, falls, over use, long periods of standing, sitting or working on a mouse can create areas of tension called trigger points. Trigger points tighten and shorten the muscles inducing pain, tension, and lack of range of motion.

Trigger points are areas of tension or taught bands within muscle tissue that can cause pain and discomfort. These areas may be sensitive to the touch and can cause referred pain, or pain that is felt in other parts of the body. Dry needling is a technique that can target and release these trigger points to help alleviate pain and restore range of motion. By inserting small, thin needles into the skin, dry needling can help break up areas of tension and promote healing in the affected muscles. This technique can be especially effective for patients with sports-related injuries, chronic pain, or other musculoskeletal conditions.

In the long term this can lead to other musculo-structural patterns of chronic pain. Dry needling targets and release myofascial trigger points, and bands of tight muscular tissue.  Increasing the body's ability to heal, improving range of motion and alleviating pain.

Dr. Diveley blends traditional acupuncture with modern sports science for optimal therapeutic benefits.

In California dry needling is a subset form of acupuncture that focuses on muscular dysfunctions.  Only a Licensed Acupuncturist or and Medical Doctor can perform this method.  In California, licensed acupuncturists are required to complete a minimum of 950 hours of  supervised clinical training as part of their graduate-level education. This includes supervised internships in which they work directly with patients under the guidance of licensed acupuncturists who serve as their clinical supervisors. After 4 years of training  they sit for either the national or state boards exams to do be able to treat using needles.  Many states allow non acupuncturist with no training to 50 hours of training to treat with needles, with no exams or special licensing. Acupuncture is a licensed profession, most states dry needling is a weekend certification. Although it is essentially trigger point acupuncture, other health professionals refer to it as 'dry needling' due to legal and political reasons. However, it's important to note that dry needling is 100% acupuncture with a specific focus on trigger point therapy