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 version of tendinomuscular acupuncture relies on carefully palpating Ah Shi points which often correspond to both motor and trigger points in the myofascial tissue. As opposed to the Japanese and American styles which utilize higher gauge needles, the Chinese style makes use of lower gauge needles necessary for precise puncturing of contraction knots. Having a detailed knowledge of channel networks and connections and of the western anatomy is very crucial in most acupuncture styles.

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 concluded that dense muscle knots are penetrated better and easier by acupuncture needles and the tactile feedback they provide is also better. Also, patients feel less uncomfortable and the needles are easier to manage. The official FDA designation for the needles used is acupuncture needles, but practitioners offering IMS without the scope of acupuncture in their profession introduced the term solid filiform needle. That is the technical design term.

Currently, no standards for dry needling exist. There is also no body of evidence to indicate its efficacy in managing the medical conditions it claims. Most of the studies that were conducted on this technique were crowded by a lot of issues that made it impossible for any strong evidence to be gathered. For instance, sample sizes employed were small, drop out rates were high, and studies lacked randomization.

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.

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.




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