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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, 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.

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, 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.

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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