Dry needling refers to the use of needles for therapy of muscle pain such as myofascial pain syndrome. There are two types of acupuncture needles used in this process, that is, hollo-core hypodermic and solid filiform needles. This process is also sometimes referred to using the name intramuscular stimulation (IMS). Dry needling or IMS is one of the many subcategories (traditional practices) that are classified under western acupunctural medicine. Whenever there is need of professionals in dry needling Pennsylvania is the place to visit.
The Chinese style of tendinomuscular acupuncture carefully palpates Ah Shi points which correspond to motor points as well as trigger points in myofascial tissue. The Chinese style is different from the American and Japanese style because it uses lower gauge needles while the former use higher gauge needles. The use of lower gauge needles ensures precision in puncturing contraction knots. Most styles of acupuncture need practitioners to be very knowledgeable about channel networks and connections as well as the western anatomy.
As such, although the IMS does not cover all versions of acupuncture and the two are not the same, the term can be used to specifically refer to some versions of acupuncture. Those forms of acupuncture to which IMS refers to specifically include some versions of Sports Acupuncture, Myofascial Acupuncture, and tendinomuscular Acupuncture. Janet Travell is often credited with coming up with the term dry needling, which she described in her book.
The use of solid needles was initially surrounded by concerns. Compared to hypodermic needles, solid needles were thought to lack the tactile feedback and strength needed. Practitioners also thought that they could be deflected easily by dense contraction knots. However, these claims were later discarded as unfounded. As such, solid needles were adopted and are in use to this day.
In fact, it has been concluded by research that dense muscle knots are penetrated easier and better by acupuncture needles. They also give better tactile feedback and patients experience less discomfort. Acupuncture needle is the official FDA designation for the needles used. However, the technical design term, solid filiform needle, was introduced by practitioners whose scope of practice excludes acupuncture but allows them to offer IMS.
Currently, dry needling does not have any standards. In addition, the practice is filled with claims without a body of proof and evidence. Methods that attempt to determine its efficacy are characterized by the use of methods that making gathering of strong evidence impossible. For instance, small sample sizes, high drop out rates, and lack of randomization are common.
The studies failed to state if the pain the patient felt was solely caused by myofascial trigger points. Additionally, they did not adhere to minimally acceptable criteria that need to be followed to diagnose a myofascial trigger point. Drop out rates in some studies have been as high as 48 percent. However, research studies that continued to the end concluded that IMS can improve function, disability, and mood.
This treatment option is taught and practiced in various places worldwide. The professionals who teach and practice include chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, naturopathic physicians, doctors of osteopathic medicine, and doctors of medicine among others. In the US, ISM is part of the scope of practice of Doctors of Medicine, acupuncturists, and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine.
The Chinese style of tendinomuscular acupuncture carefully palpates Ah Shi points which correspond to motor points as well as trigger points in myofascial tissue. The Chinese style is different from the American and Japanese style because it uses lower gauge needles while the former use higher gauge needles. The use of lower gauge needles ensures precision in puncturing contraction knots. Most styles of acupuncture need practitioners to be very knowledgeable about channel networks and connections as well as the western anatomy.
As such, although the IMS does not cover all versions of acupuncture and the two are not the same, the term can be used to specifically refer to some versions of acupuncture. Those forms of acupuncture to which IMS refers to specifically include some versions of Sports Acupuncture, Myofascial Acupuncture, and tendinomuscular Acupuncture. Janet Travell is often credited with coming up with the term dry needling, which she described in her book.
The use of solid needles was initially surrounded by concerns. Compared to hypodermic needles, solid needles were thought to lack the tactile feedback and strength needed. Practitioners also thought that they could be deflected easily by dense contraction knots. However, these claims were later discarded as unfounded. As such, solid needles were adopted and are in use to this day.
In fact, it has been concluded by research that dense muscle knots are penetrated easier and better by acupuncture needles. They also give better tactile feedback and patients experience less discomfort. Acupuncture needle is the official FDA designation for the needles used. However, the technical design term, solid filiform needle, was introduced by practitioners whose scope of practice excludes acupuncture but allows them to offer IMS.
Currently, dry needling does not have any standards. In addition, the practice is filled with claims without a body of proof and evidence. Methods that attempt to determine its efficacy are characterized by the use of methods that making gathering of strong evidence impossible. For instance, small sample sizes, high drop out rates, and lack of randomization are common.
The studies failed to state if the pain the patient felt was solely caused by myofascial trigger points. Additionally, they did not adhere to minimally acceptable criteria that need to be followed to diagnose a myofascial trigger point. Drop out rates in some studies have been as high as 48 percent. However, research studies that continued to the end concluded that IMS can improve function, disability, and mood.
This treatment option is taught and practiced in various places worldwide. The professionals who teach and practice include chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, naturopathic physicians, doctors of osteopathic medicine, and doctors of medicine among others. In the US, ISM is part of the scope of practice of Doctors of Medicine, acupuncturists, and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine.
About the Author:
For the latest information about dry needling Pennsylvania locals can come to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://www.primalphysicaltherapy.com now.