With the popularity of Cupping and dry needling comes a lot of confusion. Many people confuse dry needling with acupuncture. In addition, there is a lack of understanding on what a TENS unit does and what acupuncture does.
Dry Needling is a form of treatment where needles are inserted into the body to relieve musculoskeletal pain. This therapy is used by a number of practitioners that include: Physical therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractors, occupational therapist etc. The needles used are MUCH larger than acupuncture needles. Dry needling often takes the place of trigger point injections.
Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needle into specific points in the body to treat a wide number of conditions. Acupuncture is not limited to the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Migraines, headaches and fibromyalgia are examples of non musculoskeletal pain that acupuncture can treat.
b>Cupping is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Small suction cups are placed over the skin to relax muscles and connective tissues. This process helps with healing, relaxation and open energy channels in the body. Cupping is less invasive than acupuncture but is less precise in its treatment regimens and scope of applications.
What is TENS? TENS is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit stimulates nerves to promote pain relief. The amount of stimulation is adjusted by the user as it is a device often used in the home. A drawback to TENS compared to PENS is the skin acts as a barrier to the electrical charge that one is trying to deliver to the nerves. An advantage is that TENS can be used at home.
What is PENS? PENS is Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. PENS is done by placing electrodes to acupuncture needle placed in acupuncture points. PENS is also referred to as electroacupuncture. An advantage of PENS is the skin barrier is bypassed and the needles can be place in very specific points to obtain very specific reactions in the body. The disadvantage of PENS is an office visit is required.
We provide all of the above services in our Marietta, Georgia office. Treatment times vary on the particular patient’s condition and modality of treatment. Generally treatment times are between 15 and 30 minutes. As many insurers will not cover these procedures we do have special cash pricing to include veterans discounts. CALL US TODAY!