For The Best Specialists In Dry Needling Pennsylvania Should Be Prioritized

By Richard Collins


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, though not all acupunctural forms are covered by IMS and these two are different, some acupunctural forms can be termed specifically using the name IMS. These include tendinomuscular Acupuncture, Myofascial Acupuncture, and versions of Sports Acupuncture. A book written by Janet Travell was the first to describe the term dry needling. Thus, the credit for coining the term is often given to her.

Concerns initially existed about the use of solid needles. They were viewed as lacking in strength and tactile feedback like the one derived from hypodermic needles. They were also viewed to be capable of being deflected by dense contraction knots. However, research later determined that those concerns were unfounded. Therefore solid or acupuncture needles are now in wide use.

In fact, research has found that acupuncture needles penetrate dense muscle knots better and easier and they also offer better tactile feedback. They are also easy to manage and patients feel less discomfort. Acupuncture needle is an FDA designation, but the name solid filiform needle was introduced by some practitioners who offered IMS but their scope did not include acupuncture. Solid filiform needle is a technical design term.

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 did not specify if the pain felt came solely as a result of myofascial trigger points. Also, they failed to follow minimally acceptable criteria that should be followed when diagnosing a myofascial trigger point. In some studies, there were drop out rates of up to 48 percent. However, studies that were completed concluded that IMS improves mood, function, and disability.

IMS is a treatment that is practiced and taught in many places worldwide. The teaching and practicing is done by various medical professionals including acupuncturists, physical therapists, doctors of osteopathic medicine, naturopathic physicians, doctors of medicine, and chiropractors among others. The scope of practice of acupuncturists, and Doctors of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine covers IMS.




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