Overview:
- Having become a widely known and used treatment modality, peripheral needle stimulation (also called dry needling or acupuncture) may help reduce discomfort from chronic musculoskeletal pain.
- This unique treatment option uses thin, specialized needles to decrease inflammation, reduce pain and encourage tissue regeneration.
- The physicians at Tulsa Pain Consultants explain why peripheral needle stimulation is effective for pain management and trauma rehabilitation.
Peripheral needle stimulation is similar to acupuncture, but does not follow all of the same principles as the ancient Chinese practice. This treatment uses small, thins needles to relieve trigger points and other complexities in the muscle causing pain. Peripheral needle stimulation, although effective, should not replace interventional pain treatment. It can, however, act as a complement to these treatments to minimize pain, promote healing and improve tissue function.
As alluded to previously, peripheral needle stimulation and acupuncture are two relatively different therapies that have separate philosophies: traditional Chinese acupuncture uses “pulses” “coatings” and “energy channels” to heal, whereas peripheral needle stimulation uses medical research and science to manage chronic muscle and tissue pains.
The process is simple: your Tulsa Pain Consultants physician will insert a series of small filament needles into targeted muscle groups to stimulate blood flow and depolarize pain fibers in surrounding nerves. When inserted into the patient, a small muscle twitch may ensue. This tells your physician that the knotted muscle causing pain has been affected and will soon experience increased circulation and blood flow to reduce swelling and pain.
In addition to encouraging muscle relaxation and blood flow, this technique also promotes the release of endorphins and other healing properties to boost tissue restoration. Patients with chronic muscle pain, headaches or tendonitis may benefit most from this treatment. Talk to your Tulsa Pain Consultants specialist to schedule an appointment for peripheral needle stimulation.
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.