Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle. The local twitch response elicits a very brief (less than a second) painful response. Some patients describe this as a little electric shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation. Again, the therapeutic response occurs with the elicitation of local twitch responses and that is a good and desirable reaction.
Trigger point dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Muscles are thought to be a primary contributing factor to the symptoms. Such 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-type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness/spasms). The treatment of muscles has the greatest effect on reducing the pain mechanisms in [...]
There are many similarities and differences between trigger point dry needling and acupuncture. Licensed physical therapists in a growing number of states can use trigger point dry needling under the scope of their practice. Physical therapists at One on One Physical Therapy are not licensed acupuncturists and do not practice acupuncture. (Although we do have licensed acupuncturists on staff.) In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, trigger point dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research. [...]
The exact mechanisms of trigger point dry needling are unknown. There are mechanical and biochemical effects. Based on the pioneering studies by Dr. Jay Shah and colleagues at the National Institute of Health, we know that inserting a needle into trigger points can cause favorable biochemical changes, which assist in reducing pain. It is essential to elicit the so-called local twitch responses, which are spinal cord reflexes. Getting local twitch responses with trigger point dry needling is the first step [...]
Trigger point dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a Myofascial trigger point. Physical therapists at One on One Physical Therapy utilize trigger point dry needling in the treatment of Myofascial pain. A Myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.
Pelvic and abdominal health is a rapidly growing subspecialty of physical therapy. Many Physical Therapists may treat the pelvis but do not have specific training to perform an internal examination. Some Physical Therapists practice a pelvic-centric approach which does not examine the influence of the whole body on the pelvic floor. Our team feels it is necessary to look at the pelvis in the context of the whole person and we approach our patients in this manner. In addition [...]
You never have to do anything you don't want to. However, your physical therapist has referred you to see if the pelvic floor is a factor in your pain and functional limitations. Our pelvic health physical therapists are trained to evaluate the whole body and determine what, if any, role the pelvic floor muscles may play. Not following through may prolong your physical therapy and increase your frustration with slow/ lack of progress.
Sexual trauma can cause psychological as well as physical distress. If you feel uncomfortable attending physical therapy, we recommend that you speak with your mental health provider. If you are not currently seeing a counselor, we strongly suggest that you begin to do so in conjunction with physical therapy therapy for past sexual trauma.
We treat men as well. The pelvic floor muscles do not differ between men and women even though the anatomy is slightly different. Some conditions common in men include pelvic pain, urinary urgency/frequency, constipation, tailbone pain, rectal pain, pudenda! neuralgia. Men also benefit from pelvic floor muscle retraining post testicular cancer or prostatectomy.
YES! There are always things to work on in physical therapy that do not involve intra-vaginal work. This is especially helpful if your main complaint is menstrual cramps, or your symptoms increase during your period. There are no contraindications to intra-vaginal treatment however, it depends on your level of comfort.