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  • 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.

    In the Chinese style of tendinomuscular acupuncture Ah Shi points are carefully palpated, As Shi points correspond to trigger points as well as motor points in myofascial tissues. The Chinese style differs from the Japanese and American and Japanese styles which use higher gauge needles by using lower gauge needles. Lower gauge needles increase precision in puncturing contraction knots. Practitioners in most acupunctural styles need to possess a great deal of knowledge in western anatomy as well as channel networks and connections.

    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, 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, 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.

    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.

    This approach to treatment is taught and practiced in many parts of the world. Teachers and practitioners can be physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, doctors of medicine, naturopathic physicians, and osteopathic doctors several many others. In the United States, the scope of practice of acupuncturists, Doctors of Medicine, and Osteopathic doctors include IMS.




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