Presented by: Christina Sweet

 Describe what dry needling is and what type of pain it can be used to treat.  Describe the physiological theory of how dry needling works.  Explain the basic technique used to administer a dry needling treatment.  Discuss the efficacy of dry needling and the current evidence for and against its use in PT practice.  Know where to go to get trained in dry needling and where certification is necessary.

 It is a technique of inserting small filament needles into muscle trigger points to treat myofascial pain and dysfunction. Can be used to treat: Headaches Frozen Shoulder Tennis Elbow Muscle Spasms Fibromyalgia Sciatic Pain Hip Pain Knee Pain Repetitive Strain Injuries Acute & Chronic Pain

TRIGGER POINT RELIEF  A trigger point is an area of elevated neurological activity located in muscle or fascia that may refer pain in a localized or peripheral manner.  These trigger points are believed to be the results of motor neurons becoming stuck in a feedback reflex arc, facilitating muscle spasm.  Introducing a new stimulus (i.e. the needle) impedes the reflex arc and has the effect of relaxing the muscle.

Technique: Materials Required: -Gloves -Dry Needles of Varying Length Technique: -Find the trigger point -Insert needle into tissue -Feel for a twitch response h?v=xem1TOal2f0

FOR DRY NEEDLING  Insertion of needles into muscle tissue has been shown to elicit a slow twitch response.  Patients report it working for them.  It is a quicker alternative to message. AGAINST DRY NEEDLING  Studies have shown that it has the same effect as a placebo treatment.  It mimics acupuncture, but requires much less training.  There is potential to damage nerves or puncture a person’s lung.

STATES THAT HAVE ISSUED OPINIONS AFFIRMING THAT DRY NEEDLING IS WITHIN THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST SCOPE OF PRACTICE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:  Alabama  Colorado  Georgia  Kentucky,  Maryland  Montana  Louisiana  New Hampshire  New Mexico  North Carolina  Ohio  Oregon  South Carolina  Tennessee, Texas  Virginia  Wisconsin  Wyoming. SIX STATE BOARDS HAVE STATED IT IS NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE  Idaho  Nevada  New York  Pennsylvania,  South Dakota  Utah  It is not part of the scope of practice in Hawaii, as the Hawaii physical therapy statute contains language prohibiting physical therapists from puncturing the skin for any purpose.

True or False: Dry needling interrupts a pain/motor reflex arch. True or False: Dry needling is the same as acupuncture. True or False: Physical Therapist are allowed to use dry needles in every state.

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