Trigger Point Dry Needling … Isn’t that Accupuncture?
July 1, 2008
No! At least as the treating physical therapist and their patient is concerned. Trigger point dry needling (TDN) is a western approach for treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. The confusion seems to be in the common tool used, an acupuncture needle. Various practitioners, such as nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, Medical and Osteopathic doctors and now physical therapists have utilized needling techniques to treat the body for numerous years. The United States has been somewhat behind the international community but is now quickly catching up. Unlike acupuncture where meridians are addressed, TDN is used to treat active trigger points identified in the muscle by a trained and licensed physical therapist. Insertion of the thin needle then releases, or lengthens, the shortened portion of that muscle allowing for a more normalized action potential and improved function of the muscle.
Dry needling has been used world wide by physical therapists for many years. In 2005 the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies supported dry needling as part of the physical therapist’s scope of practice. The training required includes having a minimum of 2 years experience as a licensed physical therapist (roughly 2-3 years of training prior to 4000 hours of clinical experience) followed by 46 hours of hands on training, written, oral and practical exams and completion of a log documenting at least 200 treated clients utilizing the techniques taught in Level I prior to be accepted for Level II training.
As seen through out the healthcare profession, there is great overlap in treatment including numerous other manual techniques, such as chiropractic, massage and osteopathic treatment. Optimizing patient care many times involves co-referral between healthcare providers and often is complementary to the physical therapy approach at Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy.
Nicole P. Rabanal is the only physical therapist in the Yampa Valley performing trigger point dry needling at this time (1/2008). For further questions regarding this incredibly effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain please contact us at 970-879-8026
