Services · Kanata
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Targeted needle therapy to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and support faster recovery — integrated with your overall care plan from day one.
At Highlands Wellness, acupuncture and dry needling are integrated directly into your care plan — not offered as a stand-alone add-on. Dr. Josh uses needling techniques when the evidence supports it, as part of a broader approach that includes manual therapy, exercise, and education.
Conditions
What Acupuncture Can Help With
Needling is most effective when it's targeted to the root cause of your pain or dysfunction. Here's where we commonly use it.
Headaches & Migraines
Tension-type headaches, cervicogenic, and chronic migraine.
Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, AC joint issues.
Hip & Gluteal Pain
Piriformis syndrome, hip flexor tightness, sciatica.
Knee & Leg Pain
IT band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, runner's knee.
Muscle Trigger Points
Tight, knotted muscles causing referred pain anywhere in the body.
Sports Injuries
Tendinopathies, sprains, muscle strains, and post-surgical rehab.
TMJ & Jaw Pain
Jaw tension, clenching, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Our Approach
The Techniques We Use
We don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. The technique your practitioner selects will depend on your condition, your preferences, and what the evidence supports.
All needle techniques at Highlands Wellness are performed by practitioners with specific training in acupuncture and dry needling.
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Fine needles are inserted directly into tight, hyperirritable spots in muscle tissue. This creates a local twitch response that releases the knot, reduces pain, and improves range of motion. Highly effective for myofascial pain.
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A mild electrical current is passed between pairs of needles to amplify the therapeutic effect. Particularly useful for chronic pain, nerve-related conditions, and when a stronger stimulus is needed to achieve a response.
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Needles are placed along established nervous system points to address broader patterns of pain and dysfunction. Often used alongside chiropractic or massage care to support the whole-body response to treatment.
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Needles are placed at specific spinal levels or near bony landmarks to modulate nerve signals and reduce deep, radiating pain. Commonly used for sciatica, radiculopathy, and joint-related conditions.
Evidence-Based Care
What the research says
We only use treatments supported by the best available evidence. Acupuncture and dry needling have a growing body of research behind them.
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for over 40 conditions, including neck and low back pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis. We factor this into every care plan.
~50% Reduction in pain intensity reported in systematic reviews of dry needling for myofascial trigger points
40+ Conditions recognized by the WHO as responsive to acupuncture, including chronic back pain and headaches
All hands-on treatment — including needling when appropriate — begins at your very first appointment
Your First Visit
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Whether acupuncture is your first choice or part of a broader care plan, here's how it unfolds at Highlands Wellness.
Full Assessment First
We start by understanding your history, your pain, and your goals. Needling is never applied without a proper examination — we need to know the source before we treat it.Hands-On Treatment
You won't leave your first appointment without treatment. If acupuncture or dry needling is appropriate for you, it can begin immediately — no referral needed.It’s Usually Not Painful
Most patients feel minimal discomfort. With dry needling, a brief muscle twitch or aching sensation is common and typically a sign the needle is working. We keep you informed throughout.Integrated With Your Broader Plan
Needling works best alongside movement, education, and manual therapy. We'll build a plan that makes sense for your condition and your schedule.Insurance Coverage
Acupuncture performed as part of chiropractic care is billed under chiropractic and does not typically require additional coverage.
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Dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points using a Western anatomy-based approach. Traditional acupuncture follows meridian pathways from Chinese medicine. Both use the same fine needles — the difference is in the rationale and the points selected. We use both, depending on what your condition calls for.
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Most people are surprised by how little they feel. The needles are extremely thin — much finer than an injection needle. Dry needling can produce a brief twitch or deep aching sensation, which is normal and usually passes within seconds. We always go at your pace.
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That depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and how your body responds. Many patients notice meaningful change after two to four sessions. We'll give you a realistic picture at your first appointment and adjust the plan as you progress.
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When acupuncture is delivered as part of your chiropractic care, it's typically billed under chiropractic and covered by most extended health plans. We direct bill MVA, WSIB, VAC, and RCMP. Contact us if you'd like to confirm before booking.
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No referral is needed. You can book directly online. If you've been referred by your family doctor or another specialist, we're happy to coordinate with them — but it's not required to get started.
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Acupuncture and dry needling are considered very safe when performed by a trained practitioner. Minor side effects can include temporary soreness, light bruising, or a little fatigue after treatment. Serious adverse events are rare. We'll discuss your health history before your first session to make sure it's a good fit.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to feel better?
Take action and embark on your journey to pain-free living. We're accepting new patients in Kanata.