Dry needling is a form of therapy of muscle pain like myofascial pain syndrome, which uses needles. This process makes use of two kinds of acupuncture needles, that is, solid filiform needles and hollo-core hypodermic needles. The other name for this process is intramuscular stimulation (IMS). It is among the many traditional practices that fall under western medical acupuncture. When in need of dry needling Pennsylvania is worth visiting.
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, 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, there are no standards in dry needling. Also, its efficacy is not indicated by and body of evidence, but mostly claims. Most studies to determine efficacy in the technique were crowded by issues that rendered it impossible to gather any strong evidence. For example, most sample sizes used were small, there were high drop out rates, and randomization was not applied.
No specification was made by the studies whether or not myofascial trigger points were the sole source of pain felt. In addition, their diagnosis of myofascial trigger point did not follow minimally acceptable criteria. Some studies had candidates dropping out up to almost half the initial number. However, the conclusion that IMS enhances disability, mood, and function was reached by studies that proceeded to the end.
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.
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, 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, there are no standards in dry needling. Also, its efficacy is not indicated by and body of evidence, but mostly claims. Most studies to determine efficacy in the technique were crowded by issues that rendered it impossible to gather any strong evidence. For example, most sample sizes used were small, there were high drop out rates, and randomization was not applied.
No specification was made by the studies whether or not myofascial trigger points were the sole source of pain felt. In addition, their diagnosis of myofascial trigger point did not follow minimally acceptable criteria. Some studies had candidates dropping out up to almost half the initial number. However, the conclusion that IMS enhances disability, mood, and function was reached by studies that proceeded to the end.
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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