Acupuncture Treatment for pain and injury

Acupuncture has been used historically in Asian traditions to address most  types of pain.  Today, it is gaining popularity for managing issues such as back, hip, knee, elbow, neck pain, joint pain, soft tissue injuries, nerve pain (including shingles-related discomfort),  overuse syndromes, headaches, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, and post surgical recovery. 

Traditional Chinese acupuncture involves inserting ultra-thin needles into specific points on the skin.  Needling these  "acupoints” relieves pain by stimulating endorphin release, the body's natural pain-relief chemicals, and regulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood.

Acupuncture also works on the level of the fascia, our body’s three-dimensional network of membranes and fluid that provide continuous connection and communication throughout our entire body.  It calms the nervous system, reduces inflammation, and promotes the remodeling and repair of tissue. 

Injuries  and pain often arise from an interplay of factors including external trauma,  overuse,  postural and movement  imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and organ dysfunction that disrupt the body's natural healing processes. By carefully assessing each patient individually, our providers effectively treat pain at its root cause  and promote lasting healing throughout the body.   
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Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling - What's the Difference?

While both acupuncture and dry needling use needles to address pain, their core philosophies, training standards, and treatment goals differ significantly. Dry needling is a modern Western technique that focuses on releasing taut muscle fibers, known as myofascial trigger points, to relieve musculoskeletal pain and improve range of motion. It primarily targets specific areas of tension to provide localized relief. Dry needling typically uses larger gauge and longer needles than acupuncture. In Washington State, physical therapists are legally permitted to perform dry needling after completing 75 hours of hands-on classroom training.

​Acupuncture, by contrast, is an ancient practice rooted in Chinese medicine. It involves inserting very thin gauge needles at precise points along the body’s meridians to restore vitality, balance and whole-body wellness. Acupuncturists receive extensive training that includes modern dry needling concepts within their scope of practice, with a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical needling experience.

​Because of this broader and more holistic approach, acupuncture can address a wider range of health concerns beyond musculoskeletal pain, including headaches, digestive issues, stress, and emotional well-being. In short, dry needling offers targeted muscular relief, while acupuncture provides systemic benefits that support overall health.  In addition to targeted muscular relief, acupuncture can be a valuable option when pain does not respond to common Western medical treatments.