WHAT’S THE POINT?
There are many different descriptions of needling techniques, such as Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dry needling, trigger point needling, Intra- Muscular Stimulation (IMS). What is the difference and what does all that mean?
Firstly, Acupuncture refers to the traditional Chinese medicine technique (TCM). This is a safe and effective, natural and drug free way to eliminate pain and restore health. This practice originated in China and has been around for over 2000 years. Western medicine has expanded
its horizons and many practitioners are incorporating different needling techniques into their practice. Therapists such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, medical doctors, and naturopathic doctors can all become certified in various needling techniques.
There are a few types of needling techniques that are used, where a thin needle is inserted into the skin, but nothing is injected (hence, “dry” needling). All techniques use pre-sterilized disposable needles of various lengths that pierce the skin or muscles. These needles are typically left in the tissue anywhere from a few seconds to 20 minutes. Occasionally, the needles are hooked up to a small electrical current, called electro-acupuncture.
Classical Acupuncture, or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting needles into specific points along 12 meridians on our body. These meridians are channels of energy mapped out along the surface of our skin that relate to internal organs (small intestine, gall bladder, heart, liver…). Needling certain points along these meridians is believed to help restore imbalances in the flow of Qi (“chi”), or energy/bloodflow throughout our body. Motor point needling / trigger point / functional dry needling / myofascial acupuncture all describe similar techniques used to target the neuromuscular junction in a muscle (where the nerve innervates the muscle) or trigger points in the muscle belly. Trigger points are tight, palpable knots that can be painful and often refer pain to other areas of the body. These techniques specifically target injured muscles that have contracted and shortened from distress. This technique may provide nearly instantaneous relief from the painful trigger point as well as improve function and mobility.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is another form of needling. IMS is a technique for assessing and treating myofascial pain syndromes. Initially developed by Dr. Chan Gunn in British Columbia in the 70’s, this technique follows the radiculopathic model of pain (referred pain patterns). The needling sites often target both the locally tight muscle bands and the nerve root at the spinal level that has become irritated and hypersensitive. For example, elbow pain and tendonitis may have its origins at C6 where the nerve root is exiting the spinal cord. If you only treat the local elbow symptoms, you wouldn’t be targeting the whole system.
The penetration of a needle into tight, shortened muscle tissue that is hypersensitive will cause a ‘grasp’ or ‘contraction’ of the muscle around the needle. When this occurs, a stretch reflex in the muscle is stimulated which then produces a reflex relaxation phase.
The needle causes a local irritation that encourages blood flow to the area and stimulates the healing process. By relaxing these tight muscle bands the pressure on surrounding nerves, joints and soft tissue is reduced. This then increases muscle flexibility, joint range of motion and reduced pain. It is common to experience some post treatment discomfort, similar to the soreness experienced after a deep tissue massage or an intense workout.
All forms of needling are thought to directly stimulate local nerves in an area, thereby stimulating impulses that connect to the spinal cord and brain. These impulses help stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain, our natural pain relief hormones. In other words, happy hormones are released in our body that lessen the pain!
The combination of these needling techniques, in addition to manual therapy and targeted exercises, can be very effective in restoring muscle balance, function, alleviating painful syndromes, and enhancing performance.
The physiotherapists at Bragg Creek Physiotherapy offer certifications with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada and Gunn IMS. If you are struggling with a stubborn injury that just isn’t getting better, these techniques might help you progress to the next stage of healing.
We wish this amazing community a very happy holiday season and time spent enjoying your family, good food and holiday traditions!
Jennifer Gordon
(BSc.PT, GunnIMS, AFCI)
Physiotherapist – Bragg Creek Physiotherapy
www.braggcreekphysio.com
