Physical Therapy Services
Astym® therapy is an effective, noninvasive treatment that heals complex musculoskeletal conditions from the inside out. If you’re experiencing pain, restricted movement, or a chronic soft tissue condition, Astym therapy offers you a trusted treatment plan that’s proven to work fast and give you lasting results. With over 10,000 independently recorded patient cases, Astym therapy resolves over 92% of patients across all conditions (even the toughest ones).
What you can expect? First: An Astym-certified therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation, and then follow specific treatment parameters to initiate a regenerative process that encourages the resorption of scar tissue and the regeneration of damaged soft tissues.
Instruments are run firmly along your skin, following the direction of the muscle, tendon or ligament. You will feel bumps as the instrument moves along your skin. These bumps indicate defective or damaged soft tissue. The first couple of treatments may range from being only slightly noticeable to mildly uncomfortable. As your body heals, those bumps will decrease and the area around your injury will smooth out nicely, indicating healing. There also may be some mild bruising and soreness in the area being treated. That is one indication that the body is hard at work, absorbing the old dysfunctional tissue and laying down healthy new tissue. Most patients typically experience a decrease in pain with an increase in movement within the first 3-4 treatments. Then you stretch and strengthen: It’s up to you to guide how your body heals. Your therapist will give you a customized stretching and strengthening program designed to encourage your body to maximize the strength and agility of soft tissue. Stretching tells the new fibers to line up properly, in nice parallel lines, and strengthening makes them stronger. (www.astym.com) (Performance Dynamics, Inc)
What is Dry Needling (DN)?
Dry needling (DN) is a skilled intervention performed by a physical therapist using filiform needles to penetrate the skin and/or underlying tissues to affect change in body structures and functions for the evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairments and disability.
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions to address pain modulation, improve recovery or to target neuromuscular changes. Dry needling stimulates the CNS processes, which governs all peripheral changes. Use of electrical stimulation has a more profound impact and effect versus DN alone.
Dry needling is often used in conjunction with physical therapy techniques such as stretching, strengthening and stabilization exercises. It is a safe and effective treatment option for many people but may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine if dry needling would be appropriate for your condition.
Common conditions where dry needling can be beneficial:
- Neck pain, headaches
- Degenerative disc disease, low back pain, radiculopathy
- Shoulder pain
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Foot and ankle pain, plantar fasciitis
- Post operative pain
Differences between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
Both Acupuncture and DN use a solid filament needle, however, there are important differences between the two. Acupuncture is a treatment based on Eastern medical diagnosis requiring training in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, to balance the flow of energy or “qi” in the body. Acupuncture is often used to treat a wide range of conditions including pain, stress, anxiety, and digestive issues.
Dry needling on the other hand, is rooted in Western medicine practice that is based on principles of anatomy and physiology. It involves insertion of a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues for management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.
Overall, acupuncture and dry needling can both be effective treatments for a variety of conditions, but they are distinct practices with different philosophies and approaches.
