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Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling

When putting together a treatment plan, Dr. Janine may incorporate/recommend medical acupuncture and/or dry needling to support the body’s healing and reduce pain. 

Acupuncture

What is medical acupuncture?

Contemporary medical acupuncture strives to bridge the gap between traditional acupuncture practices and contemporary medicine, pulling techniques and principles from both to achieve the ultimate integrative practice. 

 

Uniting the concepts of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and pathophysiology, medical acupuncture uses small disposable needles to manually or electrically stimulate peripheral nerves for therapeutic purposes of modulating abnormal activity of the nervous system and/or the endocrine, exocrine and immune systems. Medical acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain in various pain syndromes such as arthritis, migraines, back pain, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, functional problems such as muscle weakness, and any diseases in which these modulatory mechanisms are available. 

 

Contemporary medical acupuncture is a mechanism- rather than disease-based approach to treatment. After reviewing the patient’s history and performing a physical exam, Dr. Janine carefully selects the points to needle based on her extensive knowledge of neuromuscular anatomy, allowing the treatment to promote nerve flow and/or improve muscle tone. By stimulating the body’s innate healing abilities, as well as restoring energetic and biochemical balance, medical acupuncture is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions.

What is dry needling?

Similar to contemporary medical acupuncture, dry needling is an invasive technique whereby acupuncture needles are inserted into muscles, ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous fascia, and scar tissue to target myofascial pain (‘myo’ = muscle, and ‘fascia’ = the tissue that connects muscles). 

 

Dry needling is directed at myofascial trigger points (MTrP), hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle -- more commonly known as ‘knots’ -- that are often the cause of referred pain, muscle weakness, and restricted range of motion (ROM). 

 

Trigger points are formed when our muscles release excessive amounts of the neurotransmitter called  acetylcholine, a protective mechanism produced in response to actual (or even potential!) muscle damage. When we perform new movements, hold uncomfortable postures or subject ourselves to repetitive stress, trigger points develop in the muscle. Because these points receive decreased blood flow, if left untreated, they can cause sustained pain.

 

Trigger point dry needling can be done on both a superficial (skin) or deep (muscle) level, depending on the needs of the individual. Dr. Janine generally integrates dry needling into a treatment plan that includes exercise, manual therapy, heat therapy, and patient education. 

Acupuncture Session

Both medical acupuncture and dry needling have been shown to be effective treatments for a wide variety of conditions. Because each case is independent, the type of acupuncture technique may vary. 

 

Medical acupuncture and dry needling have been shown to be effective for:

  • Chronic Pain

  • Disc injuries

  • Sport-specific injuries

  • Neck and back pain

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Muscle pains or strains

  • Ligament sprains

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Headaches

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Golfers or tennis elbow

  • Tendonitis/osis

  • Rotator cuff injury

  • Shin splints

  • Plantar fasciitis 

  • Movement limitations

  • Knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder pain

  • Scars from previous surgeries/injuries

  • Scar tissue breakdown

  • Wrist and hand pain

  • Nerve pain numbness and/or tingling

  • Sciatica

  • Stress and inflammation 

  • Digestive Disorders

  • Jaw pain (temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD)

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