This is an invasive physiotherapeutic pioneering technique that
targets musculo-skeletal tissue (tendons, muscles, ligaments, etc.). It consists
on the introduction of a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle which
induces a local inflammatory process in order to activate phagocytosis and healing
of the soft tissue involved. It was recently developed by a team of Spanish
physiotherapists (José Manuel Sánchez Ibáñez, Francisco Minaya and Fermín
Valera). The process requires the aid of echography to guide the specific
placing of the needle. The developers affirm that the current is able to induce
a healing on the affected tissue, and to activate a new process of collagen proliferation.
The modifications of the structure and mecano-biological behavior of soft
tissue can be seen immediately. The effectiveness is high compared to other
conventional physiotherapy treatments such as: ultrasound, laser, Cyriax,
Diacutaneous Fibrolysis, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, etc., or medical treatments
such as: pharmachology, infiltrations or surgery. It also has a low frequency of relapse.
The authors explain that these effects have been recently demonstrated
in degenerative processes such as tendinosis of the patellar tendon, lateral
epicondylitis, athletic pubalgia, and plantar fascitis.
You will find more information in their website at: http://www.mvclinic.es
They have also published a very thorough book called “Fisioterapia
Invasiva” (Invasive Physiotherapy) in Spanish by Elsevier.
Bibliography
Sanchez-Ibañez et al., Int J Phys Med Rehabil 2013, 1:2
