Are You Looking For Acupuncture in Harrisburg NC?

Can you imagine how effective a health care discipline must be to stand the test of time for hundreds of generations? With a large portion of the media and research focusing their attention on the newest surgeries and medications, valuable and essential forms of health care are being forgotten. With acupuncture being practiced as a medical system for over 2400 years, its safety and effectiveness have been proven time and time again. While acupuncture alone has been shown to be the best line of treatment for many conditions, it can also be incorporated into various treatment plans to increase results and decrease treatment time. In this article, Harrisburg Chiropractic & Wellness Center will provide you basic information about acupuncture & dry needling and how it may help you in resolving your health condition.

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Understanding Acupuncture in Harrisburg NC

As mentioned earlier, acupuncture has been practiced as a system of medicine for over 2400 years, but its philosophy and roots predate recorded history. The first text describing acupuncture as a system of medicine was produced around 300 B.C. (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine).

While this original text has been revised, edited, and added to for thousands of years, it still serves as the foundation for the contemporary medical system. Today, acupuncture has been incorporated into many western paradigms and is practiced in hospitals and private health care clinics across the world.

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How does Acupuncture work?

With all the toxins present in our various environments, it is important that our bodies are well suited to interact and deal with each challenge that we face. While traditional and western explanations of acupuncture vary, each fundamentally deals with acclimating our body to our surroundings. After thousands of years of research, various points across the body have been located that have a significant impact on our body's overall physiology.

Typically, depending on the desired end result, fine needles are meticulously positioned at these points to stimulate various aspects of our hormonal, immune, and endocrine systems. Once these systems have been stimulated, a number of neurotransmitters, natural pain killers, and hormones are released. Patients at Harrisburg Chiropractic & Wellness Center have described the following effects from acupuncture treatments:

• Decreases in muscles spasms and pain
• Decrease in swelling & inflammation at various points across the body
• A general decrease in pain
• A decrease in illnesses due to stimulation of the immune system
• Lower levels of back and neck pain
• Fewer headaches
• Improved digestion
• Overall better sleep
• Fewer injuries during recreational sports
• Females report fewer gynecological issues

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What should I expect during my acupuncture treatment?

The first thing to understand prior to an acupuncture session is that the needles used are much different than those that you would typically encounter at a hospital. Most patients describe their acupuncture treatment as a calm and relaxing experience. In fact, some patients report feeling
little to nothing at all.

On your first visit to our clinic in Harrisburg, NC we will begin by performing a thorough history and examination. After the results are analyzed, we will identify the problematic areas and develop an individualized treatment plan. After the sterile needles are positioned, patients typically rest for 20 to 30 minutes as the treatment takes its course. Depending on the individual
case, electrotherapy (TENS or high frequency microcurrent), moist heat, and/or cold packs may be combined with the therapy. The total visit typically lasts around 35 to 40 minutes.

As with many conditions, the treatment effect can vary depending on the severity of the problem. Many patients report feeling immediate relief, while others describe noticing changes up to two days following the therapy. Depending on the patient and the number of treatments Dr. Andrew Segarra performs, relief may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. It will be important to monitor this so that your treatment schedule can be altered appropriately.

While side effects are minimal, some patients have reported minor bouts of nausea, bruising, muscle pain, and difficulty sleeping following their initial treatment. If this occurs don’t be alarmed and notify your treating health care professional prior to your next visit.

If you would like to learn more about acupuncture in Harrisburg, NC or see if you could benefit from its incorporation into your current care, please contact our team at Harrisburg Chiropractic & Wellness Center today for help.

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Dry Needling versus Acupuncture

Dry needling in Harrisburg, NC is a therapeutic technique gaining popularity in the realm of chiropractic, physical therapy and pain management. This minimally invasive procedure at Harrisburg Chiropractic & Wellness Center involves the insertion of thin, filiform needles into specific trigger points within muscles, tendons, or connective tissues (fascia), aiming to alleviate pain and improve range of motion. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow, dry needling targets nerve, muscular and myofascial
issues.

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Dry Needling Process

Much like Acupuncture at our clinic the process of dry needling begins with a thorough assessment by our doctor, Andrew Segarra, DC, to identify trigger points and areas of muscular dysfunction. Once identified, our practitioner inserts the thin needles directly into these trigger points, creating a microtrauma that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. The needles may be left in place for a short duration or manipulated with subtle movements to enhance their therapeutic effects.

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Dry Needling Benefits

One of the primary benefits of dry needling is its ability to relieve muscular tension and reduce pain. By targeting trigger points, Harrisburg NC dry needling practitioners aim to release knots and tight bands within muscles, promoting better blood flow and oxygenation to the affected areas. This can result in improved flexibility, reduced muscle spasms, and enhanced overall function. Additionally, dry needling often helps in the management of chronic pain conditions, such as myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia.

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Symptoms Dry Needling Can Help

Dry needling is known to be effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal issues. It is commonly used to address conditions such as tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and sports-related injuries. Furthermore, it has yielded great results in resolving conditions like lower back pain, knee pain, sciatica, neck pain, shoulder impingement syndrome to name a few. The technique is also utilized to improve mobility in joints and muscles, making it a valuable tool for athletes and individuals seeking to optimize their physical performance.

Beyond its immediate benefits, dry needling can contribute to long-term improvements by promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation. The procedure can be part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, complementing other therapeutic interventions like physical therapy exercises and stretches.

However, it is important to note that individual responses to dry needling can vary, and the technique may not be suitable for everyone. Consultation with our doctor at Harrisburg Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Harrisburg, NC is essential to determine the appropriateness of dry needling based on an individual’s specific health condition and needs. Overall, the growing body of research supporting the efficacy of dry needling shows that it is a valuable adjunctive therapy in the field of musculoskeletal care and pain management.

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How It Works

• Trigger Point Release: Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points, which are taut bands or knots within muscles that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. By inserting a needle into these trigger points, the technique helps to release tension and reduce pain.
• Neurophysiological Effects: The insertion of the needle can stimulate sensory nerves, increase blood flow to the area, and promote the body’s natural healing response by releasing chemicals such as endorphins and anti-inflammatory substances.
• Resetting Muscle Function: Needling can disrupt dysfunctional communication between the nervous system and muscles, effectively “resetting” muscle activation patterns and improving function.

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Key Features

• No Medication Involved: Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is not based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. It focuses on addressing specific musculoskeletal issues rather than energy flow or meridians.
• Quick Twitches: When a needle hits a trigger point, it often elicits a local twitch response, which is thought to be a sign of muscle release and relaxation.

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Benefits

• Relieves muscle pain and tightness
• Improves mobility and flexibility
• Reduces inflammation and promotes tissue healing

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Is It Safe?

Dry needling is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. Some people may experience mild soreness, bruising, or temporary discomfort at the needle insertion site. It’s important to consult our doctor and discuss any underlying medical conditions that will help determine if dry needling or acupuncture would be a good form of treatment for resolving your health condition.

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Our clinician, Dr. Andrew Segarra, is certified in both acupuncture and dry needling. Your consultation and exam with him will determine which course of treatment may work best in resolving your condition.