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
Ready to feel better?
Book your First Appointment online, or get in touch if you have questions — we're happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Links.
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In most cases yes. Registered massage therapy is covered by the majority of extended health benefit plans. Coverage amounts and whether a doctor's note is required vary by plan, so it is worth checking your specific benefits. We offer direct billing to many providers.
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Registered massage therapy is performed by a Registered Massage Therapist, a regulated health professional trained in anatomy, assessment, and treatment of injury and dysfunction. It is therapeutic and goal-oriented, it is eligible for insurance coverage, and at our clinic it is integrated with chiropractic and rehab. A spa massage is focused purely on relaxation and is not typically covered by health benefits.
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It depends on your goals. For an acute injury or significant tension, weekly or biweekly sessions early on tend to produce the best results. For maintenance and prevention, many patients come monthly. Your therapist will recommend a cadence based on your specific situation rather than a one-size-fits-all package.
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Absolutely, and many of our patients do. Because our chiropractors, RMTs, and rehab team work together on one coordinated plan, combining services often produces faster and longer-lasting results than either on its own. This integrated approach is one of the things that sets Highlands Wellness apart.
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Yes. Our therapists modify treatment to safely and comfortably support you through every stage of pregnancy, addressing the common areas of discomfort that come with it.
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Usually no. Most extended health insurance plans do not require a doctor’s note, but it’s best to double check to be sure.
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We offer a range of appointment lengths (45 min - 90 min) so you can pick what fits your needs and schedule. Our prices and schedule is available online at https://highlands.janeapp.com/