Dry Needling Physical Therapy
How does Dry Needling aid Physical Therapy?
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a pain-relieving technique using a tiny acupuncture needle. The needle is inserted at points of the body that are constantly tight, creating pain relief that many patients never thought possible. The needles can treat deep parts of the muscles- areas that are often difficult to reach with massage. They cause a “twitch” response – a brief contraction followed by sustained relaxation. This response can “deactivate” painful, knotted areas in the muscles.
Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling therapy, at times, is included in a complete treatment plan aimed at relieving pain and promoting mobility. It is a technique that aims at trigger points in the muscles and relaxes the muscles as well as increases the movement. Studies demonstrate that the method of dry needling can not only be a pain killer but also facilitate the communication between nerves and muscles, thus decreasing the time for recovery.
Moreover, physical therapists are trained in-depth about anatomy and modalities of treatment including some extra specialization for performing dry needling therapy. When you decide to get dry needling, always ask about your therapist’s qualifications and experience.
What can dry needling treat?
The dry needling technique can help relieve pain in most muscles, including jaw pain, shoulder pain, hamstring tension, and golfer’s elbow. It can improve blood flow, speed healing time, and help rid muscles of deep knots that other techniques cannot reach. Dry needling leads to many of the same results as massage, but at a deeper level. For a patient that has experienced results with massage, but found them to be short-lived, dry needling may be a good option. It can also complement massage therapy.
Who Shouldn’t Get Dry Needling Therapy?
Not every patient can benefit from dry needling therapy. The method is inappropriate for children under the age of 12 because of the possible pain factor involved. In case of a child considering it, you must always talk to a medical professional first and start with other non-invasive approaches. Furthermore, some patients need to discuss with their doctors before undergoing dry needling therapy like people who are:
- Pregnant
- Not able to comprehend the treatment properly
- Scared of needles (trypanophobia)
- Have weak immunity
- Had tracheostomy recently
- Are on anticoagulants
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling is not acupuncture – it is based strictly on Western medical principles and research. However, it is sometimes used within the context of an acupuncture practice. According to research by Dr. Jay Shah at the National Institutes of Health, inserting a needle into trigger points can lead to biochemical changes that reduce pain. The biochemical changes can help lead to the essential twitch response, which is the first step in breaking the cycle of pain.
Will the procedure hurt?
Because the needle is so small, it does not hurt the way a larger hollow needle does when puncturing the skin. Most patients describe the sensations as “releasing” or “pressure.” The needle remains in the skin for a very short amount of time – just enough to relax the muscle. There may be a small amount of pain, which some patients describe as a slight shock or a cramping sensation, but it is well worth the lasting relief that dry needling causes.
How will I feel after the session?
The muscles treated will likely feel sore, the way they do after challenging exercise. This is because the needle has caused them to contract numerous times in quick succession in order to relax them. Patients may feel fatigued, but not so much that it interferes with everyday activities. Some patients find it helpful to treat the area with heat or ice if there is soreness. After just a couple of sessions, most feel lasting relief from pain.
How often will I need to return to maintain my progress?
Usually, a dry needling treatment is repeated every five or six days until the pain cycle is broken. The first cycle will focus on just a few key muscles. Then, as the body becomes more used to the sensations, the treatment is fine-tuned to be as effective as possible. The technique is not a quick fix; instead it is a process that will help break the pain cycle. Once the pain cycle is broken, other treatment options are introduced to help prevent future problems.
Have Questions?
Let us know if you have any questions about your treatment, our practice and whatever else is on your mind. We are here to help and we look forward to serving you!
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Physical Therapy for Hand, Wrist & Elbow Pain in Fort Lee, NJ
Restore Grip & Mobility
Pain or stiffness in the hand or elbow can make everyday tasks and work activities harder. We provide physical therapy for elbow, wrist, and hand injuries Fort Lee, NJ with a focus on improving movement and upper-body function.
Understanding Elbow, Hand and Wrist Pain
Elbow and hand symptoms may be related to joint restrictions or nerve compression. Wrist physical therapy, Fort Lee, NJ, addresses mobility limitations and movement patterns to support functional use of the arm.
Treatment Approaches for Different Conditions
Injuries or pain in the hand and wrist affect everyday tasks like typing. Physical therapy helps improve movement and use of the hand through different exercises.
Understanding the Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain
Knee physical therapy can ease your muscles and joints. You will work with our experienced physical therapist who uses a variety of methods to help strengthen your muscles and make your body move and feel better.
Common Causes Of Hand and Wrist Pain
Discomfort in your hands and wrists often results from several different underlying issues. Our clinical evaluations look closely at your mobility and specific movement habits to find these triggers and build a proper care plan. Many unique variables can lead to ongoing hand or wrist aches, including the following.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ligament Sprains
- Bone Fractures
- Tendinopathies
Physical Therapy Treatment Methods
- Upper Body Strength and Endurance Training
- Work and Sport Activity Tasks
- Targeted Soft Tissue and Joint Mobilization
- Guided Range of Motion Exercises
- Spinal and Joint Manipulation
- Functional Grip Strength Building
- Nerve Desensitization Techniques
- Healing Scar Tissue Massage
- Personalized Custom Splinting
- Comprehensive Patient Wellness Education
Our Approach to Patient Care
Highly Personalized Care
We prioritize a dedicated approach for every patient. Your therapist actively collaborates with you on every stage of your recovery journey. Care is modified in accordance with personal development and treatment objectives.
Honoring Your Personal Dignity
Your personal values and recovery goals are always our primary focus. Patients are treated with respect and professionalism throughout the course of care. Our staff creates a welcoming environment for your entire rehabilitation process.
Recovery Paired with Education
Our team treats patients of all ages with various chronic conditions. We place a strong emphasis on your specific home exercise plan. Patients receive education and home exercise guidance to support long-term function.
Safety is Our Top Priority
Our professional therapists use the latest physical therapy techniques. Treatment sessions follow quality standards and prioritize patient safety. Your physical safety is the foundation of our entire clinical practice.
Comprehensive Physical Therapy Services
Manual Physical Therapy
Manual therapy treats movement-related issues, discomfort and lost joint mobility as a result of an accident or surgical case. This method encourages a greater range of motion and an increased tolerance for greater physical efforts in the everyday routine.
Sports Physical Therapy
Sport-specific rehabilitation addresses exercise-related injuries through progressive loading and conditioning. Programs are designed to restore the strength and tissue tolerance required for athletic participation.
Orthopedic Care
Our team identifies and manages various conditions that impact your entire skeletal framework. This includes highly targeted care for your bones and joints.
Physical Training
Physical conditioning and movement training aim to increase strength and movement efficiency. Programs are individualized based on current physical capacity and functional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy for Elbow, Hand & Wrist Pain
Healing times always depend on the condition of the injury. Small strain issues usually get better within a few weeks. More complex injuries often need a longer plan and more focus. Following a prescribed home exercise program can support progress between visits.
Most people can start their therapy evaluation without a referral. Every insurance plan has its own unique rules and requirements. Our front office will check your benefits and explain the costs. We make sure you understand your options before the first visit.
In many cases, care reduces swelling and helps joints stay stable. This may help some patients avoid surgery. Early physical therapy may help reduce symptoms and improve joint stability, which can decrease the need for surgical intervention in some cases.
We create a treatment plan to make sure that your discomfort is temporary and that your mobility and strength are increased. We will provide a high degree of customization to maintain your comfort and safety.
If your pain lasts over a week or causes numbness, you should book a visit. It is also important to seek help if the pain stops you from working. Finding physical therapy for hand injuries in NJ early usually leads to a much quicker recovery.
For your appointment, wear a loose, comfortable outfit. Your therapist needs to be able to access your arm or hand. For elbow treatment, a tank top or short-sleeved shirt will work best. This helps us perform a thorough evaluation without any fabric getting in the way.