Specialty Service
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Both traditional acupuncture and modern dry needling techniques, applied by Dr. Nance to target pain, inflammation, and muscle dysfunction at the source.
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Traditional Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, with over 2,000 years of clinical use. It works by stimulating specific points along the body's meridian pathways with thin, sterile needles. This influences the nervous system, reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, and triggers the body's own pain-relieving mechanisms.
At Nance Chiropractic, acupuncture is offered as both a standalone treatment and as an adjunct to chiropractic care. It's particularly effective for patients with chronic pain conditions, inflammatory disorders, stress-related tension, and systemic complaints that chiropractic alone may not fully address.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique developed from Western sports medicine and physical therapy. It uses the same fine needles as acupuncture, but the target is the myofascial trigger point — the knotted, hypersensitive spot in a muscle that causes local pain and radiates to other areas.
When the needle contacts a trigger point, it often causes a brief involuntary twitch of the muscle. This response releases the tension in that band of tissue, reduces referred pain, and restores normal muscle function. Dry needling is especially effective for athletes, patients with repetitive strain injuries, and anyone who carries chronic muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or back.
Conditions We Address with Needling
- Chronic low back pain
- Neck pain & stiffness
- Migraine & tension headaches
- Sciatica
- Shoulder & rotator cuff pain
- Tennis & golfer's elbow
- Hip & knee pain
- Muscle trigger points
- Post-surgical recovery
- Stress-related tension
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sports injuries
Common Questions
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Traditional acupuncture follows the principles of Chinese medicine, using specific meridian points to influence energy flow and systemic function. Dry needling is a Western technique that targets myofascial trigger points — tight knots in muscle tissue that cause local and referred pain. Dr. Nance uses both approaches and selects the right technique based on your condition.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much thinner than a standard injection needle. Most patients feel only a mild ache or warmth around the needle site, which is actually a sign the body is responding. Dry needling may cause a brief twitch or cramping sensation when a trigger point is released; this is normal and usually brief.
How soon will I notice results?
Many patients notice reduced pain or improved range of motion immediately after a session. Cumulative effects build with each treatment. Acute conditions often improve within 3–5 sessions; chronic conditions may require more.
Can I combine acupuncture with chiropractic?
Yes, and we often recommend it. The two therapies complement each other well. Adjustments address joint alignment and nerve irritation; acupuncture addresses muscle tension and systemic inflammation. Together, patients often recover faster.
Interested in acupuncture or dry needling?
Call us to discuss whether it's right for your condition. We'll be straight with you.