If you have knee osteoarthritis (OA), then you are all too familiar with that stubborn joint stiffness, pain, and the limitations it causes. The miserable stiffness when you first get up in the morning or after sitting for a while – it can be miserable. Today, I’m excited to share a promising solution: periosteal electrical dry needling, or PEDN for short.
What is Periosteal Electrical Dry Needling?
PEDN is a specialized type of Dry Needling used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Trained clinicians strategically place filament (very thin) needles into specific points around the knee. Following placement of the needles, electrical stimulation is applied with specific settings to optimize the effects of the needles and stimulate healing. And what sets PEDN apart from other treatments? It specifically targets the root of the pain, rather than just managing symptoms.
How Dry Needling Works:
Dry Needling stimulates the body’s healing mechanisms, primarily by enhancing blood flow to the affected region. Also with a massive increase in microcirculation and local blood flow, dry needling elicits the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and enkephalins. Dry needling stimulates sensory nerves, which can modulate pain signals in the spinal cord and brain.
Delving into Periosteal Needling:
Venturing further into the realm of needling, we encounter periosteal needling. Imagine the needle dancing close to the bone, joint line, or cartilage, or tapping repeatedly onto the bone. This technique has made waves in the scientific community for its ability to induce significant improvements in pain and disability.
What about the electrical stimulation?
The application of electrical stimulation is a distinct procedure that uses specific settings to propagate the effects elicited by the needles. The exciting bit? Evidence suggests that electroacupuncture might stimulate cartilage repair in those with knee OA. For instance, a study by Zhang et al. showcased the potential after just 4 weeks, MRI scans of patients with knee OA displayed significant cartilage improvements.
Make it stand out
Top 4 Benefits of PEDN for Knee Osteoarthritis
1. Pain Relief: Many patients feel a significant reduction in pain after just one session!
2. Improved Mobility: Say goodbye to that stiff, restricted feeling.
3. Enhanced Healing: It promotes circulation, speeding up the body’s natural repair processes.
4. Improved Function: Many patients reports significant increase in ability to complete daily tasks without pain (such as climbing the stairs and playing sports).
Comparing PEDN to Other Treatments
While there are many treatments for knee arthritis out there, PEDN has many benefits! PEDN is minimally invasive and requires no medication. There are minimal side effects to this safe technique. Dry needling typically offers very quick results (most patients report vast improvements after the 1st session and continued improvements with additional sessions).
Who Should Consider PEDN?
If you’re tired of constant knee pain or if traditional treatments haven’t worked for you, Dry Needling may be the game-changer you’re looking for. Ideal candidates are those who seek a holistic, effective approach to osteoarthritis relief.
Safety and Side Effects
Like any procedure, it’s essential to be informed. The good news? PEDN boasts a low risk of side effects. At Alpha Osteopractic, we ensure the utmost safety, cleanliness, and care during each session. **It is incredibly important to make sure you see a qualified and specially trained clinician to get the best results with the greatest safety.
Personal Experience and Observations
I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effects of Dry Needling! Part of my Fellowship training was collecting data in a Randomized Clinical Trail; during this research study (still in data collection), participants received PEDN treatments 1-2x/wk for 6 weeks (up to a total of 10 sessions). The comparison is then between follow up sessions/timing. The incredible results I witnessed during the trial were life-changing! Patients who once struggled with daily activities are now enjoying soccer, dance lessons, and so much more. One patient had not slept through the night in over 15 years due to knee pain; After her 3rd session, she slept through the night and continued to be able to sleep without knee pain! The smiles stories are a testament to the benefits of dry needling for knee osteoarthritis.
In the fight against knee osteoarthritis, PEDN is a beacon of hope. It offers a unique blend of immediate relief and long-term benefits. At Alpha Osteopractic, we’re proud to offer this service and witness its life-changing results. Why endure the pain when a solution is within reach?
FAQs
· How long does a PEDN session last?
A full session for knee arthritis usually lasts 60 minutes.
· How many sessions will I need?
It varies, but most patients notice improvements after the 1st session and then further improvements with each repeated session. Often times, patients will purchase a 10-session package to optimize their outcomes. These sessions can be used at any interval needed for your best relief.
· Is the procedure painful?
Everyone’s experience is different, most people barely notice some of the needles and then there may be some more sensitive spots. The really nice thing about dry needling – when you do get some pain with needle insertion, your body’s response to the needle starts immediately and the release of your body’s natural pain killers relieved the pain quickly! You want to feel a little bit of a deep ache, tight, spreading warmth sensation – and it will go away very quickly (usually within about 10 seconds).
· Are there any restrictions post-treatment?
There are no real restrictions. Movement and some exercise is ideal. I usually recommend avoiding trying to set new records in sports or movement for the rest of the day. Moist Heat is nice to alleviate any soreness and support increase circulation (blood flow). I usually recommend avoiding ice application (we do not want vasoconstriction – which reduces blood flow).
· Can I combine PEDN with other treatments?
Absolutely! PEDN can complement other therapies for holistic care. At Alpha Osteopractic, we offer comprehensive care including manual therapy, dry needling, specialized programming, blood flow restriction training, body tempering, and taping. We get to work together to decide the best combination of treatments for YOU!
If you or a loved one is battling knee osteoarthritis, there’s hope. Periosteal electrical dry needling is proving to be a game-changer for many. Don’t let knee pain hold you back from living a full, active life. Reach out today and explore this innovative treatment option. Your journey to better knee health could be just a click away.