What is the technique called dry needling?
Dry needling is better termed intramuscular stimulation (IMS). This is the use of acupuncture needles to release taut bands. It can be used by practitioners who are not doctors. Some physiotherapists use this technique. The IMS technique is a variation of the myofascial acupuncture described in the next section. • Is procaine injection therapy the same as acupuncture? Traditional acupuncture is based on knowledge built up over many years and is directed to lines of energy within the body. Most acupuncturists in Australia use traditional acupuncture. This is totally different to trigger point injections in general and procaine injection therapy in particular. Procaine injection therapy is a physical technique directed at palpable taut bands in skeletal muscles. When the needle penetrates the trigger point the taut band twitches (twitch response) and then relaxes with the assistance of procaine. There is a new acupuncture needle technique called Modern, Western or Myofascial Acupuncture.
