Dry Needling and Physical Therapy

What is Dry Needling and How Does it Work? 

While the name of the treatment may sound intimidating or scary, dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. Dry needling is a treatment performed by skilled, trained physical therapists, certified in the procedure. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

What’s a trigger point, you ask? It’s a tight band in a muscle fiber that can cause disruption in function, change or restrict range of motion, or can cause pain and tenderness. When the trigger point is treated with dry needling, it can increase blood flow and decrease tightness and pain. 

We Typically Use Electronically Stimulated Dry Needling

Although dry needling sounds very similar to acupuncture, and they use similar equipment, they are entirely different procedures. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopedic tests. 

In fact, at Klein Physical Therapy, we typically use electronic stimulation when we dry needle. The electronic “stim” helps with more effective release and also improved facilitation of the muscle as well (how it contracts). 

Who can Benefit from Dry Needling and is it Painful?

Dry needling is typically used as one treatment in an overall plan that may also include physical therapy, heat therapy and education. Those patients experiencing any of the following symptoms, may benefit from dry needling: joint or disk problems, tendonitis, migraines, jaw and mouth problems, whiplash, pelvic pain, phantom pain, or spinal problems. Patients who are pregnant or who are very afraid of needles should avoid this treatment in the first trimester and consult with a medical professional before moving forward. 

Dry needling may benefit me, but will it hurt? Dry needling can be painful depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the sore or tight muscle(s). The muscle may experience a slight contraction once the needle is inserted through the skin which may cause some pain or twitching. Interestingly enough, this reaction can be a good sign because it means the trigger point has been hit. 

After the treatment, patients may experience soreness in the area for up to 48 hours, but this should not be cause for concern. Each patient should always keep open communication with their provider should they be experience pain that lasts for more than 48 hours or if they feel the pain is too intense. 

Possible Side Effects from Dry Needling

Although there are typically always minor side effects with dry needling, such as bruising, minimal bleeding or temporary soreness, major side effects are extremely rare. The biggest risk factor to always double check with your provider is if they’re using sterile needles and that they dispose of these needles after each treatment. Also, be very sure that your practitioner is qualified, educated and trained in this method. Pneumothorax (when needling in the lung field) is a rare possibility.  That’s why it's so important to go to a provider who is proficient at it. (Hint: we are highly experienced in Dry Needling)

Conclusion on Dry Needling

Overall, dry needling can be effective if used within a comprehensive health plan. It’s always a good idea to look at the root of the problem and try to prevent injuries first. Be sure to seek out a medical professional you can trust and who has a legit background in dry needling. Lastly, dry needling isn’t always covered by health insurance agencies. Be sure to call your health insurance provider to inquire about costs first.  

Interested in Dry Needling? Come in for a Discovery Session at Klein Physical Therapy, P.C.



References:

Mayo Clinic Health System https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/on-pins-and-needles-just-what-is-dry-needling

American Physical Therapy Association https://www.apta.org/PTinmotion/2015/5/dryneedling/

Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture 

Fast Track Physical Therapy https://www.fast-tracktherapy.com/services/dry-needling/

Runners Connect https://runnersconnect.net/dry-needling-effective-safe/ 

Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16542-dry-needling

PT for LBP (Lower Back Pain)

Ouch!!! Not again….

If you’re a lower back pain sufferer… you know when you’ve pulled “that” muscle again. And, you know that you’re in for 2 or more weeks of acute pain. This can limit your activity and impair your work performance. It can stop you from playing with your kids, exercising, or enjoying nearly every activity.

Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain

If you’re an “LBP” sufferer (what we call it at Klein Physical Therapy in Denver), you know that there isn’t much that helps…. except physical therapy. The muscles in your lower back (the erector spinae muscles), help support your spine and connect to your gluteal muscles. They have a lot of work to do! When your core is weak, your back muscles can try to support everything on their own… which can lead to inflammation when they are agitated. (aka, pain!)

Physical therapy for back pain in Denver is a very highly searched phrase. That’s because this kind of lower back pain is so common for so many of us humans. I mean technically… we aren’t “supposed” to even be walking upright. When our ancestors started this trend, it helped us a lot, but also created some issues… such as babies having to develop outside the womb in the fourth trimester, and, you guessed it, lower back pain.

Can You Heal Chronic Lower Back Pain with Physical Therapy?

So, we know it helps, but can physical therapy actually heal lower back pain? Yes, you actually can. And if you can’t heal it all the way, physical therapy can severely reduce the pain you experience. If you’ve tried other healing modalities (massage for one), you might have discovered that the muscles in your lower back are extremely hard to get to. It takes muscle training and strengthening to get the right tension in the supporting muscles so that one is not doing the job of two, three, four or more others (which can result in a strain or sprain).

Welcome to Klein Physical Therapy

We are a team a physical therapists that are dedicated to making sure you can move! (Properly and in a way that doesn’t create pain!). We can help you strengthen your core and live a life that doesn’t have to be so painful. Lower back pain is difficult to live with. If it’s affecting areas of your life (sleep, work, family), we can’t encourage you enough to try physical therapy. If you’ve done everything except tried PT and you’re curious if it could help, try a complimentary discovery session by clicking here. 

Try a Discovery Session

On a limited, first-come, first-served basis, we are offering 30 minutes of our time to help you determine whether Physical Therapy might be right for you. Never tried PT? Wondering if it will work for your specific issue? Try a 30-Minute complimentary Discovery Session with one of our Physical Therapists and get back to doing the things you love.

Request a Session

Diastasis Recti: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diastasis Recti and How it Occurs in Women

Diastasis Recti is the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscles, which meet at the midline of your stomach. This separation is often seen during and following pregnancy due to the uterus stretching the abdomen muscles to accommodate the growing fetus. Additional causes can be attributed to excessive abdominal exercises after the first trimester of pregnancy.  

Do I have have Diastasis Recti? Diagnosis and Differentiators 

If you’re pregnant or recently gave birth and you notice a ridge or bulge in your abdominal area, especially when straining or contracting your abdomen muscles, you could have Diastasis Recti. Other symptoms can include lower back pain, poor posture and bloating. This can also present itself as the belly “pooch” that can still make you look pregnant even months after delivery. No matter the symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a doctor or physical therapist to discuss these changes. Diastasis Recti can typically be diagnosed by a physical examination, but can also be seen via ultrasound or CT scan if necessary. 

Diastasis Recti can oftentimes be confused with hernias, however the two are very different and require individual methods of treatment. With a diastasis, there is a widening of the muscles but the fascia of the abdominal wall stays intact. The fascia is the collagen sheet that covers the muscles and gives patients the shape and form of their abdominal wall. If there is an actual hole or defect in the fascia, this would be considered a hernia.  Additionally, the Linea Alba (collagen connective tissue) can be weakened and also stretched out during pregnancy.

Diastasis Prevention and Treatment

It may seem as though the biggest factors affecting Diastasis Recti are out of your control. However,  stronger abs are more likely to resist separation. If you’re trying to get pregnant or are already expecting and don’t yet have Diastasis Recti, you can try pregnancy-safe ab exercises led by a physical therapist (hint: we can help!). Later on in pregnancy, around the third trimester, you could consider wearing a belly band for a bit of extra support as well, in addition to continuing to see a specialist.

If you already have Diastasis Recti, time will be the biggest healer, but there are postural and strength training exercises that help (as directed by your physical therapist). Both transverse ab exercises and pelvic tilts can be very effective in building strength again. To ensure you’re accomplishing the correct techniques for your individual body, it is a good idea to reach out to a specialist in your area (our own Katie Peters, DT helps new mothers and women with Diastasis Recti).

At your appointment, you can expect pinpointed exercises, recommendations on support garments and suggestions on how to modify your day-to-day movements to prohibit further Diastasis Recti.  This is all great, but I would talk about the fact that it’s not JUST the strength in the muscles as much as it is HOW we contract our abdominal wall. We are teaching this efficiency of our abdominal wall as well as managing intra-abdominal pressure-this is a biggie!!

Diastasis Recti can be healed! Ready to start? For a Discovery Session or to schedule a follow-up session, click here. 

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About Klein Physical Therapy in Denver

Klein Physical Therapy is a haven for new and expecting mothers experiencing physical pain and seeking relief from Diastasis Recti, and many other common perinatal conditions. Located in Wellshire Flats in Denver’s University Hills neighborhood (also near Cherry Creek), Klein Physical Therapy is a practice that gentle nurtures moms back to a place of peace with our bodies. Learn more about Klein Physical Therapy here.

Get help for Diastasis Recti

You can heal and recover.

Book Online Here

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References:

Healthline Media https://www.healthline.com/health/diastasis-recti#outlook

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diastasis_recti

Prisma Health https://www.ghs.org/healthcenter/ghsblog/is-it-a-hernia-or-diastasis/ 

What to Expect https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/diastasis-recti-and-pregnancy/

Pelvic Exercises  https://www.pelvicexercises.com.au/diastasis-recti-exercises/

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy | Klein Physical Therapy

What are Pelvic Floor Muscles and Why Do They Matter? 

If you’re a new Mama, you might know this already. Pelvic floor muscles are the layer of muscles that support the pelvic organs and span the bottom of the pelvis. For women, the pelvic organs include the bladder, bowels, and uterus. For guys, just the first two.

So why the big deal? Why should I care about my pelvic health so much? Pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs that lie on it. Any sort of trauma or overuse of the pelvic floor muscles can cause issues with urination or defecation (bowel movements), negative sexual health impact, and pain or “loose-ness” following childbirth.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 

Normally, pelvic muscles are firm and thick. Although they can’t be seen, they can be consciously trained just like your leg, arm or abdominal muscles. Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to coordinate these muscles. The causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can include childbirth, traumatic injury to pelvic region, obesity and nerve damage. Surprisingly, even straining with constipation and straining during weight lifting can cause pelvic floor dysfunction. Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are urinary issues, constipation, discomfort during sex, lower back pain or muscles spasms in the pelvic area. 

Pelvic Health: Beyond Kegels  

If you’re struggling with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, you are not alone! According to The National Institutes of Health study, this dysfunction affects:

• 10% of women ages 20-39

• 27% of women ages 40-59

• 37% of women ages 60-79

• Nearly half of women 80 years and older

Luckily, there are many resources available for people struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction and the leading method is physical therapy. A trained physical therapist is able to not only work on strengthening, relaxing and coordinating. pelvic muscles. Studies have shown with regular therapy, many of the unpleasant symptoms disappear as well. 

A physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy can use many methods including biofeedback, massage, stretching, and supportive exercises, to name a few. And, the good news is, you can heal! 

Physical Therapy is a whole-istic method of healing. So many of our clients have tried online programs or even tried to heal themselves at home, finding that they only have minimal or temporary success. Simply put, they aren’t able to address the entire dysfunction. 

Yes, you can return to a place of body contentment with your pelvic floor with direction from a PT. Ready to begin? Simply click here to schedule your appointment at Klein Physical Therapy.

Pelvic Floor Healing

Physical Therapy for Postpartum Women

Click to Book with Lea

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Klein Physical Therapy, P.C. is a Denver area physical therapy clinic focused on whole-istic healing. Lea Klein, MSPT is the owner and founder of Klein Physical Therapy. To schedule an appointment, call (720) 252-6304 or click here to book online.

 

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References:

Continence Foundation of Australia https://www.continence.org.au/pages/how-do-pelvic-floor-muscles-help.html

Heathline https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvic-floor-dysfunction

The University of Chicago Medical Center https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/pelvic-health/pelvic-floor-disorders#targetText=Causes%20of%20pelvic%20floor%20disorders&targetText=A%20National%20Institutes%20of%20Health,women%20ages%2060%20to%2079

Harvard Health Publishing https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/pelvic-physical-therapy-another-potential-treatment-option

Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322720.php

Denver Sports Physical Therapist for Athletes

Sports recovery and injury prevention is made possible with Physical Therapy. 

Physical Therapy for athletes is unique in its modality, offering trained competitors a chance to improve their performance, reduce injury, and accommodate for the intense activity level that is required of various sporting activities.

Meet Katie Peters, DPT

Expert Physical Therapist for Sports Injury and Recovery,

Schedule Online

Sports Recovery Denver | PT for Recovery and Prevention

Considering PT in Denver? Try a discovery session with Katie Peters, DPT (just click here to pick a convenient time.) Expert Denver PT, Katie Peters, DPT, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA in 2003 and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from CSU Monterrey Bay in 2009. Katie is dedicated to always learning about movement, especially as it relates to healing athletes with sports injuries and preventative therapy. 

Physical Therapy Prevents and Heals Injury

Athletes push themselves hard (Katie knows! She’s a longtime runner and athlete herself!). It’s simply required of the passion or profession (whichever applies to your athletic status). Yet, with the right care from a Denver Physical Therapist, athletes can work on preventative exercises to help prevent injury and heal faster from them when they happen. 

Get Stronger and Heal Faster with Physical Therapy for Athletes

Sports performance is directly linked to how well we take care of our bodies. With gentle and effective Physical Therapy, you can train your body to respond well to rehabilitation and even avoid recurring or chronic pain. Our office is located at 2401 S. Downing St. Denver, CO 80210

You can reach us at (720) 252-6304 or click here to contact us and schedule an appointment. 

Top Rated Sports Physical Therapy in Denver

Klein Physical Therapy

There’s a reason that our clients love us… read real reviews here! The reason is that we put all our energy and expertise into helping our athlete clients find solutions that work for their lifestyle and create real change in their health and wellness. We care about our clients. It’s our passion and dedication that we seek to give you at every Physical Therapy appointment. 

“I tried multiple therapists for a knee injury before meeting Katie Peters. Not only was she immediately able to diagnose the problem, but after just several visits, I was back to running without any pain! Since then, Katie has been my go-to PT helping me through my pregnancy and with sciatica post c-section. She's efficient, direct and makes your "homework" do-able. Previous therapists would provide a laundry list of exercises that made it impossible to keep up with on a daily basis. I highly recommend her for all injuries!” - Megan O.

Click Here to Schedule with Katie at Klein Physical Therapy.

Healing is around the corner. We are here for you.

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