COVID-19 and Dry Needling

Updated May 9, 2020 - Added downloadable checklist

Is it safe to dry needle during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Can I treat patients with Gunn IMS right now during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Currently there are many health advisories in place outlining when physiotherapy and medical services requiring direct patient contact are appropriate, including the appropriate use of PPE. We all need to review the relevant federal, provincial and licensing college regulatory statements and act in a socially and professionally responsible manner - that is our individual responsibility as health practitioners. Once we have complied with the advisories related to providing direct patient care, either as physicians or physiotherapists, in a general sense, we then need to consider any dry needling-specific issues.

If I deem Gunn IMS treatment to be both indicated and appropriate for my patient, is it possible to provide COVID-free interaction surfaces (plinth, skin, gloves)?
Yes. Standard Gunn IMS protocol is that we disinfect the plinth surface between every patient with appropriate disinfectant, practitioners wash their hands and wear gloves disinfected with hand sanitizer, the patient's skin is disinfected with alcohol swabs, and the needles are sterile.

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