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Dry needling is a common treatment in Abbotsford. People may find the name intimidating initially but the procedure is anything but painful. On the contrary, it boosts the production of the body’s own pain-relieving hormone, endorphins. It is also known as intramuscular stimulation or trigger point therapy. Acupuncturists and physical therapists undergo training to provide you with the therapy if needed. That brings us to the topic- Is trigger point therapy right for you? Let’s find out.
It’s a non-surgical technique that treats musculoskeletal health conditions and movement problems. It is usually a small part of a larger pain management plan consisting of exercises, massages, stretches, etc.
The procedure involves the insertion of thin needles through your skin. Don’t worry; the needles are very thin like filaments and do not cause pain or discomfort. The purpose of these needles is to release underlying muscle tightness, reduce pain and facilitate blood circulation in the area.
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Muscle tightness or musculoskeletal pain can occur due to various reasons. Overuse of muscles, for instance, is one of the causes. Similarly, an injury to the tendons can also cause musculoskeletal disorders. The acupuncturist evaluates your symptoms and runs some physical tests to determine if it is the right treatment for you.
The injuries lead to knotted, hypersensitive areas in your muscles. These are the myofascial trigger points that cause pain and immobility. Trigger points can be present near or away from the original location of pain. An acupuncturist uses the needles to insert into the trigger points. The needles are monofilament and solid. The process doesn’t involve injecting liquid hence the term ‘dry’.
Once the needles penetrate the trigger points, blood circulation improves in the region. The brain is also stimulated to produce the natural healing hormones, endorphins. The insertion induces a local twitch response in the muscle. It feels like a spasm but is actually a sign that the muscle is responding to the treatment.
IMS or trigger point therapy reduces muscle stiffness, and inflammation and helps people move pain-free. In other words, it is often part of treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems such as:
Physical therapists may recommend trigger point therapy as a part of the treatment regime after assessing your health goals and severity of symptoms. It is mostly effective for conditions that cause muscle stiffness and movement problems.
It is normal for people to flinch at the thought of inserting needles into the skin. But, here we are talking about extremely thin, monofilament needles that have no liquid in them. The needles are solid and serve their purpose of inducing the natural healing hormones of your body. Yes, there might be a slight discomfort initially because trigger points are painful themselves. The soreness fades once the muscle starts responding to the treatment and healing.
Trigger points are painful even to touch. Thus, the treatment isn’t a good option for children under 12 years old. You should consult with the physician first before starting the IMS treatment if you are pregnant, had surgery or have a phobia of needles.
In Abbotsford, a physiotherapist or acupuncturist can let you know if IMS is a safe treatment for you. They assess your symptoms, gather your medical history and perform physical tests to see if you are eligible for the treatment.
The professional sterilizes the injured area and needle. The needles are disposal and single-use. Now they detect the trigger points using their fingers or hands. Once they find the trigger point, they insert the needle over the area with the other hand.
The needles are wrapped with a plastic guide tube. The therapist first taps the needle into the epidermis (top layer of the skin) and discards the tube. There are various ways they insert the needle. For instance, they may insert it up to 10 mm deep just above the trigger point. Some therapists may use the needle to penetrate the trigger point. The technique depends on your injury and physical test results.
The therapist lets the needle stay in its position for a few seconds which can also increase depending on your condition. Then they remove the same and examine your skin for adverse reactions. Some people may find results immediately after the first session. Others may have to wait for the treatment to treat their painful conditions.
Drink plenty of water after the treatment. The muscle soreness may last for a day. You shall feel better after that.
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IMS has become a sought-after treatment in Abbotsford. It is highly effective in treating musculoskeletal injuries that cause muscle pain, stiffness and immobility. The main benefits of the treatment are:
Reduces pain and muscle soreness– The needles alleviate the trigger points and reduce muscle pain. Musculoskeletal injuries can cause inflammation in the affected area. So, this therapy reduces the inflammation and hence the soreness.
Relieves muscle tightness– Muscle tension often occurs due to overuse of muscles. IMS focuses on releasing the tension and restoring the natural flexibility of the injured muscles.
Promotes the natural healing process– The insertion of needles into the trigger points boosts the natural healing process of your body.
Improves mobility– You get to move better and pain-free once the muscles start releasing their stiffness. The physical therapist may combine IMS with other manual therapies to promote better mobility.
The benefits are similar to that of acupuncture, though both have their unique differences. It takes expertise, and training to apply effective IMS techniques. Legend Physiotherapy is here to clear your doubts regarding this treatment.
The physical therapist inserts thin, monofilament needles into the affected area of your body. Once the needle taps the underlying trigger points, it improves blood circulation and releases muscle tension. This is how the technique reduces muscle stiffness and pain.
Trigger points are sensitive to touch. Thus, you may be a little uncomfortable while the physiotherapist looks for the points to insert the needles. Muscle soreness is common initially after the therapy session. But, it lasts for about a day and you start feeling better henceforth.
Both methods involve the insertion of thin, monofilament needles. But, acupuncture is a part of Eastern medicine while dry needling falls under Western medicine. The former treats the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. The latter focuses mainly on muscle pain and tightness.