Electrical Stimulation Dry Needling
- December 11, 2020
In a previous blog we discussed dry needling (DN) and its supplementary inclusion to a well rounded physical therapy protocol. As a refresher DN is based on neuro-anatomy and the scientific study of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. A fine filament needle is inserted into the soft tissues (skin, muscles, fascia, and ligaments). The inserted needle will create a micro lesion within the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. The mechanical and neuromuscular effects provide an environment that enhances the body’s innate ability to heal, this will ultimately reduce pain.
What are the Benefits?
E-Stim paired with DN further increases the overall efficacy of manual needling(1). The positive benefits arise from the rhythmic vibration of the tissues. This rhythmic vibration produced from the E-Stim machine creates both local and systemic effects in the body. The local benefits include reducing muscle tissue tension, tension of scar tissue, and loosing any tissue adhesion that has developed(1). Systematically E-Stim restores vasoregulation of blood and lymphatic circulation, all of which help reduce inflammation(1).
How does it feel?
E-Stim delivers a mild electrical stimulation to soft tissue via the fine filament needles used for DN. Some of our patients have reported that the sensation felt with E-stim DN is similar to that of a TENS unit. The ITO® ES-130® unit gives a therapeutic dose of electricity to your body. The higher you turn it up, the more intense the feeling will be and the more pain relief you will get. Turning it up as high as it will go may cause surprise and mild discomfort, but it will not harm you.
Sources
- Ma, Y., Dr. (n.d.). IDN Integrative Dry Needling Advanced Neurological Dry Needling for Pain Management and Performance Enhancement.
