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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEEDLING TECHNIQUES?
There are three common needling techniques:
Acupuncture, Dry Needling, and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS). While all three techniques use the same type of needle, the method and goals of treatment differ.
ACUPUNCTURE
Traditional acupuncture is a very gentle technique with only mild discomfort with insertion of the needles. Treatment areas are based on the principles of Chinese meridians (channels of energy flow in the body) which has hundreds of acupuncture points all over the body. The needles are typically left in for longer periods and the purpose is to stimulate the body’s release of natural painkillers (endorphins) and anti-inflammatories as well as trigger point release of tight muscles and flow of qi.
IMS
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain of a neuropathic (nerve) origin. Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves malfunction following injury or tissue irritation. Similar to dry needling, only one needle is inserted at a time and stays in for only a few seconds. While IMS may create some muscle soreness during treatment that may last a day or two, it is followed by significant muscle relaxation, improved mobility and reduction of pain.
DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling is primarily directed at trigger points and myofascial pain (tender palpable points within the muscle). Only one needle is inserted at a time and stays in for only a few seconds. The goal is to release or inactivate trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion, and reduce muscle tension.
Acupuncture + Physiotherapy – East Meets West
Acupuncture is a safe and effective complementary treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions that physiotherapists encounter every day in practice. It is especially helpful for treating physical disorders accompanied by pain and often inflammation. More.
IMS; Will this help ease my pain?
First of all, how do we define pain? Pain is an entity that is commonly misunderstood because the traditional assumption is that pain is only a signal of tissue injury conveyed to the central nervous system. More.
Pins, Needles, Acupuncture. I’m confused!
From physiotherapists to doctors, some type of needling technique is often a choice of treatment. It is often confusing to know which technique would be the best option for therapy so we thought we would put together this handy guide. More.
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Easthill Physiotherapy + Acupuncture Clinic has protocols to ensure the utmost safety for our patients, team and community. We have worked hard to protect our public health during this pandemic. Medical masks are mandatory for all staff and patients to keep everyone safe, and we appreciate your commitment.
We continue to follow the guidelines and protective measures indicated by our regulatory boards and governments. Our team has also had extensive training on our new protocols, and we are all 100% committed to ensuring our patients’ safety.
This is the new normal.
All patients and staff will be screened before each visit. Unfortunately, anyone showing signs of respiratory infection will be unable to come into the clinic. We will encourage and book virtual physiotherapy appointments for those that need help but are symptomatic if a client is at greater risk or for anyone who is not comfortable coming into the clinic.
We have the highest standards for hand hygiene and cleaning. All equipment and rooms will be disinfected after each use, frequently touched surfaces will be sterilized, and personal protective equipment will be used in all appropriate situations. Patients and staff will have hand washing stations to ensure proper frequent hand hygiene.
We also understand that it is necessary to reduce the risk of transmission with physical distancing. To do this, we have installed plexiglass barriers, reduced the number of appointments available by spreading them out and designed an optimal patient flow that minimizes contact with other patients and staff before and after appointments. Our team is also committed to practicing these as measures of hand hygiene and physical distancing outside the clinic to be safe when they return to work.
Although it may seem different with the steps we need to take, the Easthill Physiotherapy + Acupuncture team is still the same! We still believe in the same values and are here to provide an extraordinary physiotherapy experience. This is not going to change. Our goal is to keep all of us healthy and happy.
Our fabulous admin team is available to book in-clinic appointments now. Or if you prefer a virtual physiotherapy visit, we can book that too. Please call us at 250-545-2922 to book an appointment or if you would like more information.
Chris Burk + Rob McMillan
Owners, Easthill Physiotherapy