Acupuncture, Myofascial Therapy Have Common Threads
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Though developed far apart in space and time, acupuncture and myofascial trigger point therapy are strikingly similar in principle, according to a new study.
Both acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, and trigger point therapy, a more modern Western-based approach, focus on stimulating specific points on the body to treat pain.
But the new study indicates that the two therapies plot the vast majority of those therapeutic points to the same location in the body. What’s more, most of the points are used to address the same type of pain, according to researcher Dr. Peter Dorsher, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
“This may come as a surprise to those who perform the two different techniques, because the notion has been that these are exclusive therapies separated by thousands of years,” Dorsher said in a statement.
“But this study shows that in the treatment of pain disorders, acupuncture and myofascial techniques are fundamentally similar — and this is good news for anyone looking for relief.”
Dorsher reports his findings in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Acupuncture has been used for more than 2,000 years in Chinese medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments. It is based on the principle that specific acupuncture points on the skin are connected to internal pathways (meridians) that conduct energy, or qi (“chee”), and stimulating these points with a fine needle promotes the healthy flow of qi.
The principles of myofascial trigger point therapy began to take shape in the West in the 1800s, and evolved in the 20th century into its current form. It is based on the concept that the muscles and connective tissue covering them — the fascia — have specific hyper-irritable areas, or trigger points, that produce pain in the immediate area or elsewhere in the body (called referred pain).
Physical therapists, chiropractors and other practitioners use various methods to relieve pain at these trigger points, including massage, deep pressure, electrical stimulation and stretching.
There are 361 classical acupuncture points, and 255 trigger points in myofascial pain therapy. According to Dorsher, at least 92 percent of these trigger points correspond anatomically with acupuncture points, and their “clinical correspondence” is greater than 95 percent.
“That means that the classical acupoint was in the same body region as the trigger point, was used for the same type of pain problem, and the trigger point referred pain pattern followed the meridian pathway of that acupoint described by the Chinese more than 2,000 years before,” Dorsher explained.
It’s likely, according to Dorsher, that the common thread between the two therapies is their effects on the nervous system, which transmits pain signals.
“I think it is fair to say that the myofascial pain tradition represents an independent rediscovery of the healing principles of traditional Chinese medicine,” he said.
SOURCE: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, May 10, 2008
For more information about Dr. Denny or services offered please visit www.multicareclinic.org or www.drscottdenny.com. Please feel free to call 954-473-8925 if you should have any questions.
Integrative Hospital Associates- Mind Body and Medicine Lecture Series For 2009 Hosted by Scott Denny, PhD
Mark your calendars, admission is free! Please see each description for dates and locations. This is the schedule as of 12/11/08. Please check back for additional lectures and locations.
January 11, 2009 Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Metaphysical Chapel Dania Beach
Title: An Overview of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
January 21, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Plantation
Title: Restoring Wellness Through Integrative Medicine
February 11, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Understanding Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
March 11, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Are You Sick & Tired of Being Sick & Tired
March 12, 2009 Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Gilda’s Club Fort Lauderdale
Title: Cancer Care: Reduce Discomfort & Improve Quality of Life
April 8, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Headache: It’s Not All In Your Head
May 13, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: IBS: Effective Strategies
June 10, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: No More Pain! Lower Back & Leg Pain Strategies
July 8, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Cancer Care: Reduce Discomfort & Improve Quality of Life
August 12, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Fibromyalgia: An Integrative Approach
September 9, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Natural Treatment Options For Spinal Disc Conditions
October 14, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prevention & Treatment
November 11, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Effective Techniques for Neck & Arm Pain
December 9, 2009 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Borders Bookstore Coral Springs
Title: Total Nutrition for Longevity & Anti-Aging
If you have questions please call 888-840-4325 and speak with Debbie, Community Outreach Coordinator at extension #1
Hosted by: Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM. Please visit www.drscottdenny.com for more information about our practice or call 888-840-4325.
**Special guest lecturers to be announced!**
As Seen on TV: Acupuncture and Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions About How Acupuncture Helps Cancer Patients
New research suggests that acupuncture, an ancient Chinese form of healing, is as good or better than modern medicine in helping ease the side effects of breast cancer treatment. Researchers say acupuncture, which has been around for thousands of years, can give cancer patients a wide range of benefits. Dr. Barrie Cassileth, chief of integrative medicine services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, answers common questions about acupuncture for cancer patients.
How do I find an acupuncturist who can help cancer patients? What should I look for? Would any acupuncturist be able to do this?
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has a Web site to help locate certified practitioners. Physicians who are also licensed acupuncturists typically note this by including “LAc” after their MD. Currently there is no credentialing system for acupuncturists trained in oncology. Some oncologists refer patients to acupuncturists known to specialize in treating cancer patients.
What should I look for?
An acupuncturist who is certified or licensed, and who has training or experience working with cancer patients. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s integrative medicine department offers this training for certified acupuncturists. Similar training may be available at other major integrative medicine centers, as well.
Would any acupuncturist be able to do this?
Treating cancer patients requires special knowledge and experience. It is important to find an acupuncturist who is familiar with cancer diagnoses and related implications for acupuncture treatment. They must also be familiar with standard cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), their side effects and the precautions that should be taken.
How many sessions are needed over how long a period to know whether the acupuncture is working for me?
It depends on the patient’s symptoms and condition. Some patients may obtain significant relief after one or two treatments. However, symptoms, like hot flashes, may take 10 to 20 treatments to realize the maximum benefit. The positive effects of acupuncture appear to be cumulative.
Who is a good candidate for acupuncture?
Anyone with an open mind to the benefits of acupuncture. Acupuncture may not be appropriate for patients who have lymphedema, who are pregnant, or who have conditions that make them prone to infection or bleeding, although the risk here is minimal, as acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable (used only once).
What can acupuncture help patients with?
Acupuncture is used to control pain, fatigue, post-operative or chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting . A recent study showed that acupuncture reduced xerostomia (extreme dry mouth) and skeletomuscular pain and dysfunction experienced by head and neck cancer patients, following radiotherapy. Acupuncture also can help relieve neuropathic pain caused by some types of chemotherapy or by nerve damage.
How long will each session last and what can I expect?
A typical session last about 30-45 minutes. An extra 30 minutes may be required during the first visit. The acupuncturist may ask questions related to the patient’s condition, and may also conduct a physical examination. Then, 10 to 20 sterile, single-use needles are carefully inserted at selected points. The acupuncturist may manipulate the needles to enhance the therapeutic effects. Most people report feeling relaxed during and after acupuncture treatment.
How much pain will I experience from the needles?
Acupuncture needles are made of very thin stainless steel. They are much thinner than needles used in hospitals. Most patients do not feel any pain from the needles. If any discomfort or soreness is felt during the treatment, the acupuncturist can adjust the position of the needle.
What is the most common side effect from acupuncture?
Bruises and minor bleeding or irritation at the site of needling, but these problems are very rare.
Is treating chemotherapy-induced hot flashes different from treating the typical hot flashes of menopause?
An experienced acupuncturist usually customizes the treatment according to the patient’s symptoms. Chemotherapy-induced hot flashes have a different cause compared to hot flashes associated with menopause. Different acupuncture points may be used for each cause.
For more information on acupuncture and cancer, check out the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s “An Introduction to Acupuncture.”
For further information about cancer care and acupuncture please visit Dr. Scott Denny’s website. For information please visit www.drscottdenny.com or www.multicareclinic.org. If you prefer, simply call 954-473-8925 for more information.
Sept. 22, 2008 ABC News
Neck and Back Treatment: Spinal Decompression Research Presented at the 19th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pain Management Showing 95% Overall Success Rate!
This amazing retrospective study shows that in an overwhelming majority of cases (95%), patients showed either complete resolution of neck or low back pain, or showed significant reduction in pain scores. The following is the abstract of this neck and back pain treatment research breakthrough presented at the AAPM meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, September of 2008.
Case Study Report: The Treatment of 100 Cases With Articulating Traction Decompression & Specific Patient Posturing
Presenters: Ryan M. Rosenthal, DC, and Igor Russo, DC
Advanced Physical Medicine, 6931 West North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60602
Background: Traction decompression is becoming widely used. However, there are few well-designed studies of the technique. However, there is strong evidence that range of motion therapy is beneficial to improving connective tissue health and relieving pain.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of traction decompression combined with range of motion therapy.
Methods: 100 patients with acute and chronic low back pain or neck pain, with or without a radicular component, were treated using the Antalgic-Trak. KDM (Kinetic Decompression Mobilization) was utilized, allowing the patient’s spine to be locked into specific postures. Each case received a total of 20, 30-minute treatment sessions over a 6-week period. Scheduling consisted of 5 times a week for the first 2 weeks, 3 times a week for the next 2 weeks, and 2 times a week for the final 2 two weeks. Each Antalgic-Trak treatment was followed by supportive adjunctive therapies. Pain relief was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS).
Results: The outcomes indicated 95% success in eliminating pain, or reducing the pain to minimal levels for a variety of spinal conditions. 55 patients experienced complete pain relief with their treatment and 40 patients reported mild pain or a VAS score of 1-3. 5 patients reported a VAS score higher than 4 after the treatment program. No patients reported worsening of their pain as a result of treatment, and 2 subjects went on to have spine surgery.
Conclusions: Traction decompression is superior to ordinary traction for pain reduction and restoration of spinal integrity. Because of the Antalgic-Trak’s positioning capabilities (KDM) and its “range of motion” technique, clinicians can position the patient’s spine in a manner to reduce the stress on tissues and combine these features with traction decompression. The multi-axis feature allows for coupled movements, simulating “ball and socket” motion allowing for a variety of postural combinations.
Disclosures: Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Russo did not receive any compensation from the manufacturers of Antalgic-Trak for conducting this research.
Dr. Denny is the co-developer of the Antalgic-Trak spinal decompression system and uses this specialized form of therapy in his Davie (Fort Lauderdale), Florida practice. For more information on the Antalgic-Trak articulating spinal decompression please visit www.multicareclinic.org and www.drscottdenny.com or call 954-473-8925.
Acupuncture May Hold Promise For Women With Hormone Disorder Who Experience Fertility Challenges
(Sep. 9, 2008) — Getting pregnant with her first child was difficult, but when Rebecca Killmeyer of Charlottesville, Va. experienced a miscarriage during her second pregnancy, she wasn’t sure if she would ever have another baby. When she decided to enter a study testing the impact of acupuncture on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the University of Virginia Health System
“To our great surprise we were blessed with a third pregnancy during the PCOS study,” said Killmeyer. “I’m absolutely certain the acupuncture treatments helped me ovulate regularly, which allowed me to become pregnant.”
Lisa Pastore, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UVA Health System and principle researcher of the study, was hoping for results like this. Her goal has been to help women with PCOS have regular menstrual cycles. PCOS causes a hormonal imbalance, interfering with ovulation and ultimately, fertility. With several women in the study reporting pregnancies, Pastore believes that acupuncture could be an important alternative, non-drug therapy for women with this disorder.
“Over the last year we have seen women who never had a regular menstrual cycle start having regular periods. We can also boast several pregnancies since the study began,” said Pastore. “Now we would like to recruit more people to the study in order to complete the study. It is important for research to have enough participants to ensure that the results are scientifically credible and not due to chance.”
Scared and skeptical was how Killmeyer described her initial feelings towards the experimental treatment, but soon her worries gave way to relaxation.
“When I saw those tiny little needles coming at me I thought to myself, ‘I didn’t sign up for this!’ but I tried it and after a few minutes I was asleep on the table,” Killmeyer said. “The sessions were completely refreshing after awhile.”
Killmeyer learned of her PCOS in 2005. Over the past five years she did not have regular, monthly periods. One month after she started acupuncture treatments she got a period and for the next three months, they continued.
“I had finished all my acupuncture treatments and was in the end stages of the study when I became pregnant,” Killmeyer said. “We had already scheduled our follow-up appt with our fertility doctors when we found out we were pregnant.”
Five percent of reproductive age women are affected by PCOS. Symptoms of PCOS can include small cysts on their ovaries, infrequent or irregular vaginal bleeding, male-pattern hair growth, and acne. Insulin resistance and pre-diabetes also can develop.
While there are many traditional drugs and therapies that manage this syndrome, this research is assessing whether acupuncture can be successful in regulating hormones and curing the symptoms of PCOS.
For more information on acupuncture and fertility – infertility treatment please visit www.multicareclinic.org and www.drscottdenny.com or call 954-473-8925.
Adapted from materials provided by University of Virginia Health System
New Guidelines Issued by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine for Low Back Pain
Back pain is a major problem in the United States:
- One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.
- Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
- Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
- Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.
- Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.
What Causes Back Pain?
The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.
Manipulation as a Treatment for Back Problems
According to the New Guidelines Issued by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine for Low Back Pain, spinal manipulation, massage therapy and acupuncture have all received a “recommendation” in the management of lower back pain.
Spinal manipulation is used primarily by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) for the last century; manipulation has been largely ignored by most others in the health care community until recently. Now, with today’s growing emphasis on treatment and cost effectiveness, manipulation is receiving more widespread attention.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective spine pain treatment. It reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.
Acupuncture for low back pain has been used for centuries to help manage this painful condition. There are hundreds of scientific references on this topic.
For more information on low back pain treatment, please contact Dr. Denny 954-473-8925 or visit www.multicareclinic.org and www.drscottdenny.com
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