Dry Needling

Article by Geoff M. Lecovin

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of medicine dating back to 1600 B.C. where fine needles pierce the skin a few millimeters in order to correct an imbalance (disease).

Needle stimulation can affect the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems, which in turn regulate every organ, gland, tissue and cell of the body. There are numerous styles of acupuncture:

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) uses the tongue and pulse along with a series of questions, to determine which meridian is imbalanced. Point are then chosen according to their ability to correct the specific imbalance and are stimulated by needles, heat, cups or pressure.

“Dry needling” is another form of therapy which borrows the needle from traditional Chinese medicine, but uses western knowledge of anatomy and physiology to select the points.

Treatment is based on conventional assessment, which can consist of palpation, range of motion, orthopedic and neurological testing, lab tests and special imaging, such as x-ray and MRI.

Needles are placed into shortened muscles, or trigger points. Stimulation causes these muscles to lengthen, thus normalizing the structure and function of the area locally and distally through the nervous system.

According to current research, “dry needling” creates controlled injuries to tissues unleashing the body’s healing source of bio-energy through the current of injury. Tissue injury also releases growth factors which can promote healing and strengthen weakened tissues. In addition, endorphins are produced, which can facilitate healing and reduce pain.

Dry Needling Article by Geoff M. Lecovin