HOW AND WHY DOES IT WORK?

In the classic textbook on Chinese Medicine, Huang Di Ni Jing, (c. 600-300 BC) human physiology was well detailed mainly through observation and dissection studies. The concept of pathways in the body called meridians or channels and Qi (pronounced Chee) the vital life force moving through them has largely been misunderstood as being esoteric or nonexistent. The pathways or meridians and acupuncture points (neuromuscular attachments or motor points) correspond to the blood vessels, veins, lymphatic and central and peripheral nervous system.
Scientific studies on Acupuncture and recent advances in the field of neuroscience are providing a physiological basis for explaining the mechanisms involved. Acupuncture works primarily because of its interaction with the different nociceptive (pain) and proprioceptive (muscle length and position) sensory and other nerves of the body that provoke local, spinal and centrally mediated control.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? IS IT SAFE?

Acupuncture needles are very different from regular hypodermic needles. They are solid and thin not hollow; two or three may fit inside a hypodermic needle. Most people barely feel any sensation of the needle. Sometimes a point may be sensitive and feel like a tiny sting or pinch lasting only a second. Because acupuncture alters your own neurochemistry there are no side effects. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and an approved device by the FDA.

ACUPUNCTURE PROTOCOL

Acupuncture is a physical medicine procedure; it is not a physical therapy modality. Acupuncture is an invasive procedure which alters afferent nociceptive A delta (pain) and proprioceptive (movement and position) C fibers. Acupuncture is medically appropriate when more aggressive procedures such as epidural catheters, nerve blocks and trigger point injections are not indicated, however, it may be utilized in conjunction with these procedures in order to enhance their effect. With chronic pain patients, acupuncture has been shown to be more effective when correlated with physical therapy exercises on the same or alternating days.
The goal of this treatment protocol would be to block a delta and C fibers in order to decrease sympathetic efferent outflow and allow the patient to voluntarily control hypertonic muscles. Utilizing this protocol would reduce myofascial pain and trigger point activity and provide the patient with improved range of motion and increased flexibility while maximizing the goals of physical therapy exercises in strengthening and mobilizing the chronic pain patient.

Bibliography

Ehrlich D and Haber P (1992) Influence of Acupuncture on Physical Performance Capacity and Haemodynamic Parameters, Int. J. Sports Med., 13:486-491. Deluze C., Bosial, Zirbs A, Chantraine A and Vischert L (1992) Electroacupuncture in Fibromyalgia: Results of a Controlled Trial, Brit Med J 304:1249-1252. Gunn CC, Milbrandt WE, Little AS and Mason KE (1980) Dry Needling of the Muscle Motor Points for Chronic Low Back Pain, Spine 5:279-291.