Physical Therapy Blog

Dry needling has become a popular therapeutic technique in physical therapy, but a common question many potential patients have is, "Does dry needling hurt?" This is a valid concern, as the idea of needles can understandably create anxiety. Pain is indeed subjective, and everyone’s experience with dry needling can differ. However, understanding what to expect can help reduce some of this anxiety. Your physical therapist will do their best to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure and will answer all questions you have. We prioritize patient education at EW Motion Therapy, especially when a patient is interested in dry needling. We pull from our own experience in this article, as we explore how people have described the sensation of dry needling, compare it to the pain of an injection, and discuss how physical therapists can prepare and educate patients for the procedure.

Dry needling is an increasingly popular treatment among those seeking relief from muscle pain and tightness. Often used by physical therapists, this technique involves inserting a thin, solid needle into specific “trigger points” on the body to stimulate a muscle, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. If you're considering dry needling, you likely have questions about its effectiveness, specifically how quickly you can expect to see results. At EW Motion Therapy, your physical therapist will assess your symptoms and suggest a plan of treatment that may include dry needling. If and when dry needling is used, your therapist will explain the procedure, the benefits, and the expected outcomes so you are fully aware of how it will help you. To answer some of your questions, this article explores what you can expect immediately after dry needling, how to gauge its effectiveness, the duration of its effects, factors that influence these outcomes, and the typical number of sessions required to achieve lasting relief. With this information, you can decide if dry needling is the right treatment for you, whether you come to EW Motion Therapy for the procedure or not.

Plantar fasciitis, a common ailment affecting the foot, can significantly impact your daily life, limiting mobility and causing discomfort. For those seeking relief, dry needling has emerged as a promising treatment, especially when combined with physical therapy. We have many physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy who are certified in dry needling, and they may suggest it as part of your treatment. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can still read on as we discuss plantar fasciitis, explore the potential of dry needling, and examine how it works with physical therapy to manage this condition effectively.

First responders, including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, are everyday heroes who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. These brave men and women, at times, experience physically demanding situations that may result in injury. Fortunately, physical therapy is the best profession to help first responders recover from injuries and conditions. This article will explore the most prevalent conditions and injuries among first responders and outline a typical physical therapy treatment plan to get these heroes back on their feet.

In the healthcare field, particularly in physical therapy, you might have noticed a slew of acronyms after professionals' names. These acronyms signify their qualifications, expertise, and areas of specialization. If you've ever wondered about the various titles that physical therapists can have, you're in the right place. Many of our physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy have these distinctions, and we prioritize continued education for everyone on our team, no matter how long they’ve been in the field. Even if you decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, you can still read on as this article decodes these acronyms, breaks down their meanings, and explores the educational paths one must traverse to earn these esteemed titles.

The hip joint is a complex joint that plays a crucial role in daily activities, such as walking, running, and jumping. The hip joint comprises the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket), which are held together by strong ligaments and muscles. Additionally, the hip joint has a specialized cartilage called the labrum, which plays a vital role in hip joint stability and function. A tear in your labrum of any severity can cause pain and may cause you to miss out on some of your favorite activities.

Muscles twitch randomly all the time, but if the twitching becomes more consistent and you cannot get it to stop, that may be a muscle spasm. Muscle spasms can be painful and even prevent you from doing some of your daily activities as easily as you did before. So what can you do? What are the best treatment options?

Migraine headaches can be debilitating, but many treatment options are available. If you get migraines, you probably know some things that help you feel better: which medicine works best, if you need caffeine, or the closest dark room you can sleep in until it goes away. For some, dry needling could help symptoms associated with a certain kind of migraine. But how do you know what type you have? And what if you can’t get to a dry needling session in time to diffuse the migraine?

Whether getting shots, getting blood drawn, or getting a tattoo, needles can be uncomfortable to some people, and to others, they can be a source of anxiety. If you have heard about dry needling from someone and they said it genuinely helped their condition, you may be curious and skeptical at the same time. So, what is dry needling and how can it help relieve symptoms?

When you think about physical therapy, you may be skeptical about how it actually works. You may think, “I can just do stretches at home, why do I need to see a specialist?” You may be wondering whether there are evidence-based studies showing the effects of physical therapy. You may not understand why your doctor referred you to something you think you could do yourself and may be asking, “Is physical therapy really worth it?”