Acupuncture or Dry Needling is an evidence-based technique originating in China but that has been approved and implemented by western medicine. It uses thin, sterile needles to stimulate physical trigger points found in muscles, tendons and tough bands, helping reducing pain in many acute and chronic injuries. Additionally, it is often helpful for the treatment of headaches. The effects of acupuncture are: ‘LOCAL’ around the needle insertion (e.g. increase of blood flow, endorphins release), ‘SEGMENTAL’ at spinal level (e.g. decreasing nerve irritability in our spinal cord) and ‘CENTRAL’ at brain level (e.g. inducing relaxation and stimulating the production of key hormones, like serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin and noradrenaline). Acupuncture is very safe, and benefits include reduction of pain, alleviation of muscle spasm, promotion of tissue healing process, induction of relaxation, improvement of sleep and promotion of wellbeing. Initial health screening must always be performed because there may be enhanced risk of adverse effects to acupuncture treatment if you suffer from specific medical conditions.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) states that “Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability”. The NHS adds that physiotherapy also helps “to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future”.
Physiotherapy is a degree-based healthcare profession and physiotherapists help people through manual therapy, movement and exercise, education and advice. Additional techniques, such as acupuncture and spinal manipulative therapy, require additional training and are referred as additions to the main physiotherapy interventions.
Neuromusculoskeletal injuries are the most common conditions treated by physiotherapy and they involve damages to peripheral nerves (neuro), muscles and tendons (musculo), bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments and soft tissues (skeletal).
Daniele’s skill set consists of:

• Establishing the diagnosis of your injury using advanced clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (ordering investigations when necessary, such as X-Rays or MRI scan).
• Delivering the right intervention based on expert knowledge of a broad range of treatment options (e.g. manual therapy, acupuncture, exercise). This also includes education and self-management advice to prevent future relapses.
• Management of complex presentations (e.g. chronic pain and rheumatological problems).
• Psychological support, motivation and self-empowerment.