Designed to be a go-to reference for assessment and treatment planning in the clinic, this is a clear and concise handbook for students and practitioners of dry needling, or medical acupuncture.
It includes:
· Comprehensive medical illustrations demonstrating trigger point locations and associated pain referral patterns
· Easy-to-follow instructions and photographs demonstrating musculoskeletal dry needling points and electroacupuncture techniques
· Dedicated section on the acupuncture treatment of tendinopathy
· Vital information on palpation and correct needling techniques
· Practical guidance on best practice, safety and treatment planning
· Overviews of the history and key principles of Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture
· Up-to-date research on the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of MSK conditions, myofascial pain, trigger points (MTrPS), fascia and pain.
The book will be an essential aid for osteopaths, physiotherapists, sports rehabilitators, chiropractors, massage therapists, as well as traditional acupuncturists wishing to understand a Western approach on acupuncture. Other health professionals incorporating, or looking to incorporate dry needling into their treatment programme, will also find this book an invaluable resource.
Section 1. Background. 1. Introduction. 2. A Short History of Acupuncture. Section 2. Theories around Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. 3. Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points (MTrPS). 4. Physiological Mechanism of Acupuncture in Pain Control. 5. Unifying Theories of Acupuncture: Fascia, Piezoelectricity and Embryology. 6. The Effects and Effectiveness of Medical Acupuncture for Treating Pain. Section 3. Getting Started. 7. Current Safety of Medical Acupuncture. 8. Palpation. 9. Deqi. 10. Planning Your Treatment. Section 4. Using the Needles. 11. Muscles: Technique and Clinical Implications. 12. Electro-Acupuncture. 13. Acupuncture and the Treatment of Tendinopathy.
This is an excellent reference book which is perfectly laid out - with practical instructions that are simple and effective to use. It bridges two important possible gaps. For those acupuncturists who need more help with their knowledge of the muscular system of the body and for those physiotherapist /osteopaths who need more help with their knowledge of the application of acupuncture. The historical background, scientific evidence and theory are sufficient without being too heavy or laboured. The illustrations, pictures and description of anatomy, palpation, client position and application of treatment particular to each muscle and the trigger points is exactly what a practitioner needs to be able to use these techniques in a clinical situation. The health and safety and client handling section is clearly carefully thought out and is a good reminder to practitioners of their clinical governance in this aspect of practice. The advanced tendon techniques are a good pointing to practitioners to extend the principles of practice and be creative with their treatments.The electro acupuncture chapter gives the practitioner what they need to know in a concise, practical format.
