Dry needling uses small, thin needles to stimulate underlying muscular and connective tissues for the management of many orthopedic conditions, both acute and chronic. By inserting a needle into the dysfunctional tissue, it often leads to a contraction of the muscle which can then desensitize the irritated region. This often leads to a decrease of pain, increases in flexibility and a restoration of normalized movement when combined with corrective exercises. 

Muscle dysfunction can be the primary or secondary contributing factor to many neuromusculoskeletal conditions, which can include:

  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Tendonitis or tendinopathy
  • Muscle strains
  • IT band syndrome
  • Patellofemoral dysfunction
  • Neck pain or headaches
  • Rotator cuff impingement
  • SI joint dysfunction
  • Sciatica

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

This treatment is not acupuncture. Modern dry needling is based on modern scientific study of the muscles and nervous system. This modality can only be done by trained clinicians.

Dry Needling With E-Stim

Dry needling on its own can be extremely effective as a treatment. The addition of e-stim acts as an adjunct to enhance the treatment effect for pain relief. E-stim helps to stimulate blood flow and provide analgesic effects to help numb the pain, often providing a more long-term effect.

How does the e-stim work?

 Electrical stimulation helps treat pain by stimulating larger nerve fibers that supersede smaller nerve fibers that are causing pain. The larger nerves travel faster to override the smaller nerves similar to if you were to rub a sore spot; you would feel the rubbing instead of the pain.

Integrative Dry Needling 

Integrative dry needling is a highly effective form of Physical therapy for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. It is not appropriate for all conditions or pathologies and the use of the technique will be at the discretion of your physical therapist.

How does it work?

Integrative dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. A very fine filament needle is inserted through the skin and into the deeper tissues that are considered trigger points to your pain. Dry needling works by causing a micro lesion within the pathological tissue thus breaking up shortened tissues, inhibiting a reflex arc from the nervous system to the tissue, normalizing the inflammatory response, and centrally mediating the pain. This mechanical and neuromuscular effect provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.

What conditions can be treated?

Conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headache to include migraines and tension-typee headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/ spasms).

Are the needles sterile?

Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.

Is the procedure painful?

The fine filament needle is very thin, solid, and flexible, which allows for the needle to be pushed through the skin versus cutting the skin. This helps reduce any discomfort that may occur with the procedure. We strive to make the treatment virtually painless however at times a local twitch response of the muscle may be felt. When the needle is inserted into the pathological tissue the local twitch response sensation is normal and is felt only momentarily. Many patients describe this twitch response as a little electric shock, cramp or an ache sensation. These sensations are perfectly normal and even a desirable response. Your PT will make every effort to make your experience comfortable and therapeutic.

How will I feel after the Dry Needling treatment?

This will vary but many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms and an increase in range of motion. Soreness can also be a common response from the needling but does not occur with all people. Some individuals may experience an immediate achiness or a delayed soreness the next day. The soreness, if present, will usually last 1-2 days, the use of heat and light massage and movement will be beneficial. Mild bruising may occur at the needling sites and is more prevalent in certain parts of the body. Larger bruising may also occur but is rare. Application of ice on the bruise will help with the soreness and the skin discoloration will last several days but is not harmful.

It is uncommon but possible that the treatment may temporarily increase your symptoms. This is not unusual but if this continues past the 1-2 day window, inform your PT to allow adjustment of your program to enhance your comfort the next time. This does not mean that needling will not be beneficial to your condition.

Will I continue to do exercises or receive other treatments?

Yes, your personalized physical therapy program will still integrate traditional physical therapy methods including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, endurance training, stabilization and posture training.

How many treatments will I need?

This will depend on the category you fit in, which is determined by the state of the injury and your overall health. Remember we are attempting to cause mechanical and biochemical changes without any pharmacological means. Therefore, we are looking for a cumulative response to break the pain cycle. Your PT will be able to give you more insight after your evaluation.

What should I do to prepare for the treatment?

• Do not eat 30 minutes before the treatment

• Be well hydrated but empty your bladder before treatment

• Wear loose-fitting clothing, shorts, or bathing suit for easy access to your painful areas

What should/can I do after treatment, what should I avoid?

Our recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment. Recommendations may include increasing your water intake, applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches and modifications of activities.

Is Dry Needling treatment covered by my insurance?

This is a Physical Therapy treatment and is NOT acupuncture, therefore, your coverage of Dry Needling should correspond with your Physical Therapy benefits. You can discuss this further with our administrative staff if you require more information.

Not all medical or physical therapy professionals are trained to perform the Integrative Dry Needling treatment technique. The physical therapists at Flicker Physical Therapy have advanced training and have been certified through the Integrative Dry Needling Institute. 

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Testimonials

I love the staff here! They are all so pleasant, kind, and caring! They all have good knowledge of physical mechanics. Tim is good at assessing my pain and knowing what to assign me to do. I like the style of exercises, rather than chiropractic manipulation.
Shelley Page
Shelley Page
16:36 17 May 23
I’ve been a patient for on going medical reasons I love coming to Flicker Physical Therapy they are so nice and helpful and are so professional they treat me so well and care for my needs and concerns they are understanding of my disabilities, anxiety and are willing to accommodate my scheduling that works best for me!! 10/10 would recommend coming to this place!!
Allyson Riley
Allyson Riley
02:42 17 Feb 23
These people have been awesome to work with after my double knee replacement. Thanks everyone for getting me on my feet again in the time I spent with your great staff
Tab Fleming
Tab Fleming
17:15 25 Jan 23
Tim, Pam, and the other staff are tremendous! They know their jobs and do all in their power to treat everyone to the best of their ability. I would highly suggest them. They even do home visits.
Carla Parrish Aylworth
Carla Parrish Aylworth
06:12 02 Nov 22
After my prior physical therapist retired I was unsure where to go after my knee replacement. Let's start off with the good. I worked mainly with Paige and Matt. They were both extremely knowledgeable and knew just how to motivate me to push through the pain. Once the pain decreased they made it fun to be there. Matt helped me with my goal of being able to run again and I hadn't been able to run for years. Now for the bad....there is none. I highly recommend Flicker to anyone needing help getting back on their feet. I pray that I won't need to go back but I would look forward to it if I did.
Leo Snell
Leo Snell
20:04 14 Oct 22
Amazing skills and service. Helped me recover from an ACL injury in 3 months. Came in 48 hrs after the injury and their care and expertise made all the difference in my recovery. Like all physical therapy you have to work hard at home too but their phone app exercises help you know what to do to be successful at home. Their physical therapists and assistants all take great interest in their patients and really know what they are doing. Great one on one care. Physical therapists are very involved in the experience.
Alisha Bailey
Alisha Bailey
16:29 23 Feb 22
I progressed from a walker to a quad cane to a hiking pole to my bicycle because of Flicker Physical Therapy. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Need I say more?
Scott Stone
Scott Stone
17:05 06 Dec 21
I have been a patient with Flicker physical therapy for 3 months. After having two TKR’s I needed a lot of help to get moving! I have had incredible therapists in my Home health recovery and afterward in their clinic. I have always been treated with respect and taken care of beyond what I could have imagined! Thanks to Tim, Trina, Pam, Ryan, and Brekell specifically for all your patience and hard work to get me walking again! I highly recommend Flicker Physical Therapy for PT! Sincerely,Vanessa Treadwell
Highly recommend Flicker for all your PT needs. Very professional and work as a team. They are very good at explaining exactly what they are doing and why. I was there for both of my knee replacements and would go back if I ever need PT again.
Stephen L. Fuda
Stephen L. Fuda
22:19 07 Mar 20
Jarrod Brownsberger
Jarrod Brownsberger
18:25 04 Feb 20
I had a knee replacement and everyone at Flicker Physical Therapy has been amazing!! I would recommend anyone who needs physical therapy go there! No matter who you work with, you’ll be glad you did. Thank you everyone at Flicker. I appreciate all of you and the wonderful job you do.
Wendy Johnson Baker
Wendy Johnson Baker
18:47 22 Oct 19
The staff at Flicker are all amazing; everyone is so friendly and helpful.
Shannon Paulson
Shannon Paulson
01:31 16 Oct 19
I have been going to them since April. I felt very comfortable and informed every time. One on one care has been exceptional. They listen to what you are saying and change the plan if needed. The entire staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. I would recommend them in a second,
Teresa Martin
Teresa Martin
15:03 13 Aug 19
They took such good care of husband after knee surgery!
Barbara Houser
Barbara Houser
00:01 13 Aug 19
Would recommend Flicker Physical Therapy. Jarrod helped me get my shoulder back in working condition after surgery. He was very efficient and did great job. Everyone was friendly and caring. Good job Flicker and physical therapist Jarrod.
Steven Allbright
Steven Allbright
00:23 18 Jun 19
They are professional and very detailed. No doddling around, they get right to working with your injury, they don't push you past your limit.
Jolene Kiggins
Jolene Kiggins
03:54 22 May 19
The staff are all knoweldgeable, friendly and welcoming. I'm always impressed with the different techniques they use on my therapy. Unlike other places where they have you doing the same things over and over with very little variety. I also like the way they show special care to the elderly clients. I would highly recommend Flicker PhysicalTherapy !
Tru To Mee
Tru To Mee
19:22 04 Feb 19
Had physical therapy, after a total knee replacement, with physical therapist Mike. The best experience I've ever had. One on one personal attention to specific needs. He's very personable & easy to talk to. He made me feel comfortable, confident & relaxed in the approach we took to gain strength back in my knee. I wish I could keep him for myself. Lol
Lora Ellis
Lora Ellis
14:02 19 Jul 18
Not thrilled about having to do therapy afterward my at home therapy for three weeks. (Had hip replacement done). However, with bursitis in hip that travels down leg, the therapy seems to be helping very much . Mary is really patient with me and she explains things to reassure me. I still have a way to go . I would recommend Dr Flicker and his wife's place if you need help in this field.
Jane Lash Green
Jane Lash Green
21:38 27 Jul 17
Everyone was very nice and professional. Thank you for everything you had done for me. You all feel like family And I will be back if I ever need physical therapy again. Thank you Kylie you are Awsome.
Paula Blackner
Paula Blackner
18:27 24 Mar 17
they are really nice. i like the place. they seem to understand the fact that i was abused and scared of trying things new. i am glad my doctor refered me to this place 🙂
Jewels Summers
Jewels Summers
13:41 20 Mar 17
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