Now offering Dry Needling (aka IMS) Services

I have recently completed Level 1 Dry Needling with Kinetacore Physical Therapy Education. Many people wonder: what is the difference between Dry Needling (DN) and Acupuncture?


There are several key distinctions including method of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan development.  The descriptions I have used are very basic and I encourage further reading for those who are interested.


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based acupuncture involves a variety of different assessments involving the pulse and presentation of the tongue. The essential goal is to balance Ying and Yang meridians (energy channels) to achieve balance/homeostasis in the body.  Treatment plan employs the use of monofilament acupuncture needles along specific points to address restrictions along the meridians.


My basic certification in Anatomical Acupuncture is from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. Applied under this model, we select anatomically relevant points at a specific location depth based on the points taught in AA1 and AA2 courses. Each of these points is specific meridian point with a depth and direction dependent upon the person. We employ regular orthopedic physical assessment rather than the TCM assessment methods.


With Dry Needling (DN) we are interested entirely in the anatomy of the patient and specific myofascial trigger points in those muscles. According to Travell and Simons* a trigger point is a palpable band of shortened muscle fibres that are locally tender to touch. There are some specific biochemical markers including increased acidity that differentiate a trigger point from ordinary healthy muscle tissue*. By releasing these trigger points we can help to restore normal length and health of the muscular tissue, and improve functional movement patterns.


In practice, I now use both methods to achieve optimal results for my clientele.  


For more information on Kinetacore courses please visit their website:
http://www.kinetacore.com/physical-therapy/Overview-of-Dry-Needling-Functional-Dry-Needling-Courses/page150.html


*For more information regarding trigger points I have referred to this resource:
Travell, Janet; Simons David; Simons Lois (1999). Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (2 vol. set, 2nd Ed.). USA: Lippincott Williams & Williams.