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Acupuncture Actually Works for Neck Pain, Study Says

acupunctureWritten by Mandy Oaklander

Two alternative therapies get a boost of scientific legitimacy in a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Acupuncture, the ancient practice of needle insertion, and the Alexander Technique, a program that teaches people how to avoid unnecessary muscle tension throughout the day and improve posture, coordination, balance and stress, are two complementary therapies often used to help treat neck pain. Treating it is often difficult, and it’s common for people to seek out alternative therapies.

The researchers wanted to see how well two of these worked. They assigned 517 people, all of whom had neck pain for at least three months (and sometimes many years), to the standard care for neck pain, which involves prescription medications and physical therapy. Some of the patients were assigned to also receive one of two extra treatments: a dozen 50-minute acupuncture sessions or 20 private Alexander Technique lessons—which focus on teaching people how to move their body to avoid or correct muscular pain.

A year after the start of the study, people in the groups doing acupuncture and the Alexander Technique had significant reductions in neck pain—pain was assessed by questionnaire—compared to those who just got usual care. Both groups reported about 32% less pain than they had at the start of the study, which is far greater than the 9% typically associated with physical therapy and exercise. The interventions also gave people in the groups more self-efficacy, which were linked to better pain outcomes.

The study adds to growing evidence suggesting that acupuncture is effective against pain; a landmark review in 2012 involving almost 18,000 people with chronic pain concluded that acupuncture was better than standard care and sham acupuncture (which proved the effect is not due to placebo of simply sticking needles in the body.)

“You get a two-fold effect with acupuncture for pain: a natural pain-relieving effect and an anti-inflammatory effect,” says Jamie Starkey, lead acupuncturist at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative Medicine, who was not involved in the new study.

Acupuncture manipulates the nervous system, she says, activating the release of pain-relieving endorphins. “With neck pain patients, a lot will get steroid injections or take a non-steroidal anti inflammatory, like ibuprofen or a prescription medication,” says Starkey. “Those medications or injections have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, but the acupuncture needles can do that naturally.”

The influx of new research has helped legitimize alternative therapies like acupuncture, says Starkey. “That’s really brought acupuncture to the forefront of people’s minds and attention, and physicians are a lot more willing to refer their patients to an acupuncturist.”

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Study finds acupuncture beneficial for managing hypertension

Acupuncture320x213
Written by Newswise:
Patients with hypertension treated with acupuncture experienced drops in their blood pressure that lasted up to a month and a half, researchers with the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine have found.

Their work is the first to scientifically confirm that this ancient Chinese practice is beneficial in treating mild to moderate hypertension, and it indicates that regular use could help people control their blood pressure and lessen their risk of stroke and heart disease.

“This clinical study is the culmination of more than a decade of bench research in this area,” said Dr. John Longhurst, a University of California, Irvine cardiologist and former director of the Samueli Center. “By using Western scientific rigor to validate an ancient Eastern therapy, we feel we have integrated Chinese and Western medicine and provided a beneficial guideline for treating a disease that affects millions in the U.S.”

Longhurst and his UCI colleagues Dr. Peng Li and Stephanie Tjen-A-Looi conducted tests on 65 hypertensive patients who were not receiving any hypertension medication. Separated randomly into two groups, the subjects were treated with electroacupuncture – a form of the practice that employs low-intensity electrical stimulation – at different acupoints on the body.

In one group of 33 receiving electroacupuncture on both sides of the inner wrists and slightly below each knee, the researchers found a noticeable drop in blood pressure rates in 70 percent of participants – an average of 6 to 8 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (the high number) and 4 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (the low number). These improvements persisted for a month and a half.

Also in this group, the team identified significant declines in blood concentration levels of norepinephrine (41 per cent), which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure and glucose levels; and renin (67 per cent), an enzyme produced in the kidneys that helps control blood pressure. In addition, the electroacupuncture decreased aldosterone (22 per cent), a hormone that regulates electrolytes.

No consequential blood pressure changes were found in the group of 32 who received electroacupuncture at other acupoints along the forearm and lower leg.

Although the blood pressure reductions in the first cohort were relatively small – mostly in the four to 13-mmHg range – the researchers noted that they were clinically meaningful and that the technique could be especially useful in treating systolic hypertension in patients over 60.

“Because electroacupuncture decreases both peak and average systolic blood pressure over 24 hours, this therapy may decrease the risk for stroke, peripheral artery disease, heart failure and myocardial infarction in hypertensive patients,” Longhurst said.

Participants were treated at UCI’s Institute for Clinical & Translational Science. Study results appear in Medical Acupuncture.

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5 Running Mistakes Beginners Always Make

Written by: Jennifer Cohen / Health.com

Wearing the wrong shoes can cost you more than just a few blisters

Summertime is the perfect season to start a running program. With the sun shining, there’s simply no reason to not lace up your sneaks and hit the road. But before you get started, learn the five mistakes every beginning runner makes. And skip them!

Starting too fast

The most common mistake new runners make: going too hard, too fast. By not easing into it, you end up exhausted much sooner than expected, and the tail end of your run becomes a wind-sucking session. This can make running seem too hard, which can lead you to quit your program all together.

Solution: The key is pacing yourself; running is a sport in which progress is especially slow and gradual. If you’re running outside, downloading a pacing app like RunKeeper can help you keep track of your speed. Start off at a moderate pace, and gradually increase throughout your run. This will make for not only a more enjoyable run, but it’s also the key to building endurance.

Wearing the wrong shoes

Maybe you’ve heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating. You may think because your feet feel okay, and you’re not getting blisters, you’re in the clear. But poor-fitting shoes can cause all sorts of unexpected problems: ankle pain, hip pain, even shoulder pain, and so on. This is why I think of the wrong shoes as the “silent killer” of running programs.

Solution: The best advice is to sidestep this from the get-go. Hit your local running store and have them fit you for the proper shoes. They will look at your gait and see what areas of your feet take on the most pressure while you walk and run. The right shoe will take your runs to a whole new level.

Setting unrealistic goals

It’s very easy to get caught up in what others are doing and try to match up with them, especially when it comes to running. But remember: the only person you should be competing against is yourself. If you’re a brand new runner, trying to run a 5k straight through right off the bat is likely going to leave you feeling discouraged. It’s okay—even recommended—to start with an even smaller goal, like running a mile. And then move forward from there.

Solution: Start with a realistic program that will help you build the strength and endurance to reach your running goal. For example, start with a run/walk program that allows you to take rests in between each set of running. Over time, you’ll build the endurance to run all the way through with no breaks.

Fueling improperly

A car can’t run without gas, right? It also probably won’t run very well if you fill it with water. This is exactly the way you should be thinking about fueling yourself for a run. New runners often find that one day, they feel like a million bucks on their run, but then the next, it feels like all progress has gone out the window. Often the difference is proper food and water.

Solution: Everybody is different, so you’ll have to experiment a bit to find out what works best for you, but there are some tried and true solutions that work for most.

If you have 1 hour or less before your run, eat a small mixture of protein, carbohydrates and fats. This could be a slice of whole wheat bread with peanut or almond butter spread on top.

If you have 2 hours, eat a meal that includes larger portions of protein, carbohydrates and fats. This could be eggs, bacon, and a slice of whole wheat toast.

If you’re going on a longer run, you can bring some energy gels for the road, but I find it easier and healthier to just snag a pack of your kid’s fruit snacks. My kids and I love Fruigees since they’re a natural, organic option and made with only fruits and veggies. This is a super efficient snack that will give you that quick punch of natural sugar to help you keep going, without upsetting your stomach.

Heel Striking

You may have heard the term, but many people don’t know what this is or how to fix it. By over striding (landing on your heel first), you are opening yourself up to injury, such as shin splints.

Solution: Aim to land mid-sole. Your stride may have to shorten up to achieve this, but you’ll be happy you did in the long run (pun intended)!

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Physiotherapy – Choose To Move

We are excited to showcase the value of physiotherapy and how it can help you get back to being active, and doing what you love. Whether that’s going for a leisurely walk, playing with your children at the park, or mountain biking through the trails, the possibilities of what you could be doing are limitless.

Every day physiotherapists enhance the lives of British Columbians. As highly trained medical professionals, they offer innovative treatments, and programs that empower their patients to live healthier, more active lives. And…you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see one!

Get inspired to take action. See the difference physiotherapy can make.

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7 Mental Health Resolutions for 2015

headacheWritten by: Alexandra Sifferlin @acsifferlin

Here’s how to take care of your mind this new year

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, our self-improvement efforts often focus on getting a better body. And we ignore that other, equally important part of our well being: our mental health.

Certain health hazards come with warnings, like cigarettes or alcohol, but less obvious ones, like loneliness and rejection, can take just as great toll, says psychologist Guy Winch, author of Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure and Other Everyday Hurts. Research shows social isolation is linked to shorter lifespans, yet we often ignore our emotional hygiene. “If our dental hygiene were as poor as our emotional hygiene, we’d be all gums and no teeth,” says Winch.

This year, prioritize your mind as well as your body, and make a resolution for better mental health. Here are some of Winch’s tips for prioritizing your emotional hygiene in the new year (and all year long).

  1. Pay attention to emotional pain. Psychological pain is much like physical pain—if something hurts for more than a few days, you need to do something about it. If you experience rejection, failure, or have a bad mood that lingers too long, don’t ignore it.
  2. Take action when you feel lonely. Chronic loneliness is devastating to your emotional and physical health because it increases your chances of an early death by 14%. Therefore, when you feel lonely, actions like reaching out to family members, connecting with friends or joining a dating website can help. Make a list of people who you’ve been close to in the past (use your phone book, social media friends, and email contacts) and reach out to one of them each day to chat or to make plans. It will feel scary and risky to take those kinds of steps, but that’s what you need to do to break the cycle of disconnection and end your emotional isolation.
  3. Stop your emotional bleeding. Psychological wounds tend to create vicious cycles that get worse with time. Failure can lead to feelings of helplessness that in turn can make you more likely to fail again in the future. To break the negative cycle of failure, find ways to gain control of the situation. Our minds are not as reliable as we tend to think, so ignore misleading feelings from your gut that tell you to give up, and focus on the aspects within your control, such as your preparation, planning, effort and execution.
  4. Protect your self-esteem. Your self-esteem is like an emotional immune system—it can increase your resilience and protect you from stress and anxiety. Good emotional hygiene involves monitoring your self-esteem and boosting it when it’s low. How? Avoid negative self-talk that damages it further—despite how tempting it might be to indulge these kinds of thoughts at times.
  5. 5. Revive your self-worth after a rejection. It’s very common to be self-critical after you get rejected. It’s an unfortunate reaction, since that’s when your self-esteem is already hurting. You’re most likely to call yourself names, list all your faults and shortcomings and generally kick yourself when you’re already down. The most important thing you can do after getting rejected is to treat yourself with the same compassion you would treat a good friend. Make sure your inner voice is kind, understanding and supportive.
  6. Battle negative thinking. When something upsetting happens, it’s natural to brood over it. But replaying the scene over and over in your mind will not give you much insight or closure. The best way to break a brooding cycle is to distract yourself with a task that requires concentration, like a game on your cell phone, a quick run or a crossword puzzle.
  7. Be informed on the impact of common psychological wounds and how to treat them. You know how to treat a cut or a cold, so you should also know how to treat rejection, failure, loneliness, guilt and other common emotional wounds. By becoming mindful about your psychological health and adopting habits of good emotional hygiene, you will not only heal your psychological injuries when you sustain them, but you will elevate your entire quality of life.
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What is a Concussion?

images3Written by Dr. Christopher LaRocque

We are all aware of the term concussion and its relationship to head trauma. Whether the trauma occurs from an accident around the home, in the work place, during recreational or competitive sport, or a car accident it is important to be able to recognize signs and symptoms of a concussion.

A concussion is…

“A complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by biomechanical forces”.  (Zurich 2012)

“A traumatically induced disturbance of brain function and involves a complex pathophysiological process. Concussion is a subset of mild traumatic brain injury which is generally self-limited and at the less-severe end of the brain injury spectrum”.  (American Medical Society for Sports Medicine)

A common misconception about concussions is that you have to experience loss of consciousness: this is of course false, as is relying solely on conventional neuro-imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans that often don’t show detectable injuries suggesting a more functional than structural disturbance.

If we can’t identify a concussion with the presence or absence of consciousness nor rely on special imaging techniques what are the indicative signs and symptoms we can expect?

Unfortunately, there are numerous signs and symptoms associated with concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. A suspected concussion may include a combination of the following symptoms:

CognitiveEmotionalSomaticSleep Disturbance
ConfusionDepressionHeadacheInsomnia
Difficulty rememberingAnxietyFatigueHypersomnia
Slurred SpeechNervousnessNausea and vomiting
Loss of ConsciousnessIrritabilityDizziness
Difficulty thinkingBalance difficulties
Difficulty concentratingParesthesia
Light/noise sensitivity
Seizures
Blurred Vision

Concussion Management:

When an individual presents with signs of a concussion they should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible. A SCAT3, Impact, Axon, or other concussion assessment/outcome measurement tool should be administered and the individual should not be left alone following immediate head trauma as monitoring for deterioration is critical.

Concussion injuries result in the rapid onset of short-lived neurological impairment that usually resolves spontaneously within 7 to 10 days. Individuals with migraine type symptoms during post concussion exhibit a longer recovery time than with individuals with headache only.

Initially the patient will require physical and cognitive rest until the acute symptoms resolve. Next, they should be put through a progressive exertion program until they are able to return to their pre-concussive state of activity without symptoms. Each step requires an asymptomatic period of 24 hours post exertion.

The program takes approximately one week if no symptoms arise. If symptoms become present the patient should regress to the previous level of asymptomatic exertion and start the program again after a 24 hour rest period.

An example of an exertion program for a return to”play” status for a sports related concussion:

1. No Activity
2. Light aerobic activity
3. Sport – specific exercise
4. Non-contact training drills (more complex drills involving increased coordination & cognitive load)
5. Full-contact practice
6. Return to play

** can be related to work/daily activities

Anyone that has experienced a head injury followed by any combination of the signs and symptoms listed above should consult their medical provider and seek interdisciplinary care from any of the following: General practitioner, Psychologist, Optometrist, Neurologist-Headache specialist, Neuropsychologist, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist.

Take Home Message:

– Concussions are complex

– Multiple signs and symptoms will present (be aware of them)

– Direct patient to immediate medical attention.

– Monitor individual for several hours for any signs of deterioration.

– A suspected concussion should not return to work or play on day of injury

– Physical and cognitive rest is recommended until symptoms resolve

References:

McCrory et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2012. Br J Sports Med. (2013).

Baker JG et al. “Return to full functioning after graded exercise assessment and progressive exercise treatment of post concussive syndrome.” Rehabilitation Research and Practice (2012); 705309

Signoretti et al. The pathophysiology of concussion. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. (2011).

J J, Leddy, H. Sandhu, V. Vikram, J. G. Baker, B. Willer. (2012) Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome. Sports Health. 4 (2). 147.

Cantu, R. C. (2001). Classification and clinical management of concussion. Neurological Sports Medicine: A Guide for Physicians and Athletic Trainers. Park Ridge, AANS, 25-33.

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What’s Considered A Mental Illness

images3First published in The mind Unleashed – Nonconformity and Freethinking Now Considered Mental Illnesses

Is nonconformity and freethinking a mental illness? According to the newest addition of the DSM-V published in 2013 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it certainly is. The manual identifies a new mental illness called “oppositional defiant disorder” or ODD. Defined as an “ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile and defiant behavior,” symptoms include questioning authority, negativity, defiance, argumentativeness, and being easily annoyed.

The DSM-IV is the manual used by psychiatrists to diagnose mental illnesses and, with each new edition, there are scores of new mental illnesses. Are we becoming sicker? Is it getting harder to be mentally healthy? Authors of the DSM-IV say that it’s because they’re better able to identify these illnesses today. Critics charge that it’s because they have too much time on their hands.

New mental illnesses identified by the DSM-IV include arrogance, narcissism, above-average creativity, cynicism, and antisocial behavior. In the past, these were called “personality traits,” but now they’re diseases. And there are treatments available.

All of this is a symptom of our over-diagnosing and overmedicating culture. In the last 50 years, the DSM-IV has gone from 130 to 357 mental illnesses. A majority of these illnesses afflict children. Although the manual is an important diagnostic tool for the psychiatric industry, it has also been responsible for social changes. The rise in ADD, bipolar disorder, and depression in children has been largely because of the manual’s identifying certain behaviors as symptoms. A Washington Post article observed that, if Mozart were born today, he would be diagnosed with ADD and “medicated into barren normality.”

According to the DSM-IV, the diagnosis guidelines for identifying oppositional defiant disorder are for children, but adults can just as easily suffer from the disease. This should give any freethinking American reason for worry. The Soviet Union used new “mental illnesses” for political repression.  People who didn’t accept the beliefs of the Communist Party developed a new type of schizophrenia. They suffered from the delusion of believing communism was wrong.  They were isolated, forcefully medicated, and put through repressive “therapy” to bring them back to sanity.

When the last edition of the DSM-IV was published, identifying the symptoms of various mental illnesses in children, there was a jump in the diagnosis and medication of children. Some states have laws that allow protective agencies to forcibly medicate, and even make it a punishable crime to withhold medication.  This paints a chilling picture for those of us who are nonconformists. Although the authors of the manual claim no ulterior motives but simply better diagnostic practices, the labeling of freethinking and nonconformity as mental illnesses has a lot of potential for abuse. It can easily become a weapon in the arsenal of a repressive state.

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Caring For Your Feet When You Have Diabetes

Plantar-FasciitisArticle written by medbroadcast.com

People with diabetes need to get to know their feet like – well, like the back of their hand. That’s because the high blood glucose levels common in diabetes can lead to two types of damage that spell trouble for the feet:

• blood vessel damage: Blood vessel damage can reduce blood flow to the feet, which can make the feet more vulnerable to ulcers and infection and make wounds slower to heal.
• nerve damage: The nerves that carry messages from the feet to the brain can be compromised by too much glucose in the blood.

This nerve damage is called neuropathy. When that circuit is interrupted by nerve damage, your feet might have a burning, numbing, or tingling sensation, or you might not be able to sense pain. That sounds like a good thing until you realize that feeling pain is what signals you that problems are afoot.

So say you wear new shoes, and they rub a blister onto your heel. With nerve damage, you might never know that the blister is there at all. And a simple blister that goes undetected can grow into a deep sore, known as an ulcer. An ulcer that becomes infected is a serious condition. Add reduced blood circulation to the mix, and the healing process slows down. To compound the problem, glucose-rich blood provides plenty of food for germs, making infection even harder to fight off.

Left undetected or untreated, ulcers and other foot injuries can affect mobility, changing a person’s weight distribution on their feet and boosting their risk of blisters and calluses. Infections can even advance to the point of gangrene. In fact, people with diabetes are at an elevated risk of foot or leg amputation compared to people without diabetes. Amputation is needed to prevent gangrene from spreading to other parts of the body.

Take steps to better foot care – Foot care actually starts far from your feet. Undoubtedly, the first and best strategy for healthy, happy feet is to manage your blood glucose levels. Keep your levels on target as often as possible, and you will minimize and even prevent the damage to your nerves and to your blood vessels. And smokers with diabetes, be advised: smoking decreases blood flow to your feet and can increase the risk of amputation.

Beyond blood sugar management and stopping smoking, there are several things you can do directly to manage your feet:
Go on a daily feet-scanning mission. Just like brushing your teeth or washing your face, checking your feet should be a part of your everyday routine.

• Check all sides of your feet – tops, bottoms, the toes, in between the toes, on the heels. You’re searching for any sign of potential trouble: ingrown toenails, cuts, cracking or dry skin, calluses, blisters, sores, corns, or warts.
• Changes in skin temperature could also signal developing sores.
• You can do your scan in the bath or shower, in bed, wherever it’s easiest for you to see your feet well.
• For those with mobility issues or who cannot reach their feet, you can ask a friend or family member to help out. Some people use mirrors to get a better view of the bottoms of their feet. Mirrored weigh scales are also available.
• If you notice any changes or troubling marks, consult your physician, primary health care provider, or foot specialist. Do not attempt to self-treat injuries or infections – even something as seemingly minor as an ingrown toenail.

Treat your feet with TLC
When you have diabetes, keeping your feet clean is crucial. But the simple act of washing your feet becomes a little more involved.
• Wash your feet daily in warm water using a mild soap. This means wash – not soak. Soaking can dry the skin. And warm water – not hot or cold. Nerve damage may make it hard to tell how hot or cold the water is, so test the temperature with your hand.
• Dry your feet well. Be gentle. Use a soft towel to pat dry and don’t forget between your toes. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin too briskly.
• Moisturize your feet – your heels/soles – in the morning and at bedtime. Dry skin can crack and leave you susceptible to infection. Excess moisture also welcomes germs, so don’t use too much lotion, and never apply it between the toes. Shake on unmedicated powder to minimize sweating.
• After a shower, your nails are softer, so that’s the perfect time to tidy up your toenails. Trim nails straight across and not too short to prevent in-growns. If your nails have grown too thick (e.g. due to fungal infection), have someone help you.

Keep them covered
Something as straightforward as putting on your shoes and socks presents potential problems.
• Before slipping your feet into your shoes, look into each shoe and use your hand to feel around inside. You never know when a stray pebble, thumbtack, or paperclip could be awaiting your foot.
• Buying new shoes? Since feet swell through the day, it’s best to shop for shoes late in the afternoon.
• Choose shoes that fit properly, that don’t rub blisters, that provide cushioning, and that encourage even distribution of weight across the foot. Flip-flops, sandals, or peep-toe, pointy-toed, high-heeled, or worn-out shoes are not recommended.
• With any new pair of shoes, allow time to break them in. During the first few weeks, wear them for only 1 to 2 hours at a time.
• Socks rock. Always wear socks or stockings to keep feet from sweating too much or rubbing blisters. Switch your socks daily, and opt for looser-fitting ones that are not tight around the ankles.
• During colder weather, wear loosely-fitted wool socks to protect your feet from moisture and frostbite.
• Never go barefoot! Wear slippers or shoes at all times when you will be walking around, even indoors.
• Put your feet up when sitting. Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time.

Have your health care provider perform periodic foot check-ups:
Most physicians/health care providers know that foot care is a priority for people with diabetes, but you can advocate for your own two feet, too.
• Remove your shoes/socks when you’re waiting for your health care provider. This way, neither of you can forget about your feet.
• Don’t be foot-shy. If you have a question or concern, speak up.

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Insight From The JOSPT On Dry Needling

file.phpArticle on Neck Pain: Dry Needling Can Decrease Pain and Increase Motion

When you have neck pain, the muscles in your neck are often painful to the touch.  These painful areas can limit your daily activities and movement. Dry needling, also called trigger point dry needling, is a treatment that involves pushing a very thin needle through the skin to stimulate a trigger point. The needle may relax the tight muscle bands associated with trigger points. (Trigger points are irritable, hard “knots” that may cause pain over a large area)  As a result, dry needling may be helpful in decreasing pain and increasing motion for patients with neck pain. In a study published in the April 2014 issue of JOSPT, a group of researchers measured the benefits of dry needling for patients with neck pain.

The researchers studied 17 patients. All patients’ neck pain began within 7 days of the start of the study. Half of the patients received trigger point dry needling treatment, and the other half received no treatment. The patients who received the dry needling had better results. Immediately after the treatment, their pain decreased by 33%. One week after the treatment, their pain was 66% less. Also, those patients treated with dry needling were better able to bend their heads forward and backward and to turn their heads toward the painful side of their necks.

In the short term, the findings of this study suggest that a single treatment of dry needling can decrease pain and improve motion. Dry needling is typically combined with other treatments, including exercises to further lessen pain and improve motion and the ability to perform daily activities. Your physical therapist can give you a thorough evaluation to help determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment as part of a program designed to reduce your pain and improve your function. For more information on the treatment of neck pain, contact your physical therapist specializing in musculoskeletal disorders.

*This JOSPT Perspectives for Patients is based on an article by Mejuto-Vázquez et al, titled “Short-Term Changes in Neck Pain, Widespread Pressure Pain Sensitivity, and Cervical Range of Motion After the Application of Trigger Point Dry Needling in Patients With Acute Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(4):252–260. Epub 25 February 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5108.
This Perspectives article was written by a team of JOSPT’s editorial board and staff, with Deydre S. Teyhen, PT, PhD, Editor.
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My Journey into IMS/Dry Needling | Part III

I index2recently completed my series of IMS/Dry Needling treatments and am moving forward in my life; now being a true “believer” of this therapy.

What I take away from my journey into IMS/Dry Needling is that this procedure is not for everyone.  I would absolutely encourage any one to come in shortly after an injury or accident.  If your injury or pain is of recent origin, one treatment may be all that is necessary. The average person responds very well within 3 to 5 treatments.

For patients like me, having a life time of unhealthy habits…. this is a process that is more mental than physical.

IMS/Dry needling therapy has been very successful for me with chronic low back pain and sciatica symptoms.  Needles were used to target specific muscles that had contracted and become shortened over years of a sedentary life style. These shortened muscles compress and irritate the nerves, and cause at times debilitating pain.  My IMS/Dry Needling treatments greatly reduce tightness and pain, while increasing my flexibility and range of motion.  The speed at which you regain movement and eliminate the pain is nothing short of a miracle.

An important note is needling on a normal muscle is painless. In contrast a shortened, muscle will ‘grasp’ the needle and produces a  cramping sensation, and in some instances pain; although this sensation lasts only a few seconds.  Intramuscular dry needling can reduce pain and soften these trigger points, while increasing flexibility and range of motion.

Myofascial pain is a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder that can involve either a single muscle or a muscle group. It refers to pain and inflammation the body’s soft tissues.  The pain associated with this condition can range from burning, stabbing, or an aching sensations.   With myofascial pain , excessive strain on a particular muscle, muscle group, ligament or tendon can prompt the development of a “trigger point” and that, in turn, causes pain.

The Pros for considering IMS/dry needling:  No down time  |  No side affects  | Immediate results

The Cons for considering IMS/dry needling:  This treatment can be painful   |  “Mentally” tiring if ongoing treatment is required

My official opinion on IMS/dry needling is that it works; and this procedure has helped me regain my mobility and eliminate my pain.  It is a powerful therapy and the number of treatments required depends on 5 factors:

  1. your general health
  2. the duration and extent of your condition
  3. how much scar tissue you have
  4. how quickly your body can heal
  5. how much your body can take before you get tired

For more information about IMS/dry needling please contact Diversified Health Clinic.

*My Journey into IMS/Dry Needling | Part I

*My Journey into IMS/Dry Needling | Part II

 

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