Not to state the obvious, but it’s hot out and there is a real heat related illness risk. Summer has swept the country bringing high temperatures, storm systems and often high humidity. Additionally, with this hot weather also comes a desire to enjoy the longer hours of sunshine and be outside. We all associate summer […]
Heat Related Illness and Risk Read More »
Having a better understanding of the use of dry needling in modulating pain and inflammation will benefit the clinician making clinical decisions on treatment and care progression.
As a practitioner and instructor of dry needling, I have continually refined my clinical practice based on emerging evidence and a critical assessment of established protocols. The consistent practice of disinfecting the skin in dry needling before needle insertion has frequently been a topic of discussion concerning dry needling methods. During the Foundations in Dry
Disinfecting the Skin in Dry Needling: Skin Prep or No Skin Prep? Read More »
One of our most important jobs as parents is to keep our children safe. However, as any parent knows – kids are going to be kids, and they do occasionally get hurt and sustain pediatric injuries. Additionally, just like with adults, kids have their own unique personality quirks which can run the gamut from Evel Knievel wanna-be
Dry Needling for Pediatric Injuries| Safe for Kids Ages 12+ Read More »
A cold plunge, also known as cold-water immersion or ice bath, is a short dip in cold water, typically around 50°F or colder. This can include a bathtub filled with ice water or the “polar bear plunge”, where you go for a swim in a naturally cold body of water (usually in winter). The duration of a cold plunge varies widely from a recommended 30 seconds when first acclimating to the experience, to up to 20 minutes for experienced plungers.
Ice Baths. Powerful Evidence-Based Science or Social Media Fad? Read More »
Dry needling has evolved from a rudimentary technique into a sophisticated manual therapy intervention rooted in a comprehensive mechanistic framework. Among the most therapeutically significant aspects of this technique is needle manipulation—specifically, the movement or rotation of a needle after its insertion into tissue. This blog explores the physiological rationale and evidence that supports diverse
One of the most frequently posed inquiries I encounter, both in my correspondence and during my dry needling courses, pertains to the effective management of post-stroke spasticity. This condition is multifaceted, and identifying dependable, evidence-based strategies is of utmost importance. Due to this, I was drawn to the recent study, “Expert Consensus on the Application
Expert Consensus on Dry Needling for Stroke Spasticity: A Positive Game Changer? Read More »
In the dynamic realm of sports, effective rehabilitation is not solely concerned with the healing of injuries; it is also about transforming athletes into elite performers. Drawing from Sue Falsone’s Book, “Bridging the Gap between Rehabilitation and Performance,” this blog explores the critical role of neuromuscular control and rehabilitation in the continuum of recovery and performance. Falsone underscores that a comprehensive approach that comprehends the complexities of the nervous and muscular systems is necessary to transition from rehabilitation to peak athletic performance. In this blog, I will investigate how restoring neuromuscular control facilitates recuperation from sports-related injuries and improves athletic performance, bridging the frequently disregarded gap between rehabilitation and competitive success.
Neuromuscular Control and Rehabilitation Read More »
In Chapter 4 of Sue Falsone’s book, Bridging the Gap from Rehab to Performance, she discusses many movement issues. I will expand on her discussion of movement assessment, which she touches on in this chapter. Movement is vital to our existence, profoundly impacting our bodily and mental well-being. Movement is essential for our participation in society, encompassing fundamental daily actions like walking and eating to complex athletic feats. The intricacies of the human mobility system are often overlooked, leading to ineffective treatment approaches and persistent musculoskeletal issues. This underscores the essential significance of movement evaluation, which constitutes the foundation of modern physical therapy treatment.
The importance of the motion segment in rehabilitation to performance. Read More »
In January 2025, I announced that my blogs will concentrate on Sue Falsone’s book, Bridging the Gap from Rehab to Performance. I will focus on Chapter 3, Tissue Healing and Altering Pain Perception, this month. As therapists, we specialize in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, assisting patients in navigating the challenging recovery process post-injury. Our methods extend beyond
In January 2025, I announced that my blogs will concentrate on Sue Falsone’s book, Bridging the Gap from Rehab to Performance. I will focus on Chapter 2, The Pain Generator, this month. Pain is a complicated phenomenon that has an impact on people both emotionally and physiologically. We regularly see patients in pain, such as
For individuals affected by Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), the search for relief from the discomfort can seem never-ending. TMD is the 2nd most common musculoskeletal pain, with low back pain being the first. About 33% of the population has at least one TMD symptom, and 3.6 to 7.0% of the population has TMD with sufficient
Unlocking Relief: TMJ Dysfunction with Dry Needling Read More »
Dry needling is a powerful tool that physical therapists, athletic trainers, and chiropractors can utilize to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. While teaching dry needling courses for Structure & Function Education®, one of the most common questions I get is how dry needling works. Dry Needling is a technique that involves inserting thin, monofilament needles
Physiologic Perspective on the Local Effects of Dry Needling Read More »
Thoughts were stimulated by :Williams, Christi L., Sue E. Curfman, Stacey R. Lindsley, Christian R. Falyar, and Ryan C. McConnell. “Inferior-Medial Dry Needling at the Thoracolumbar Junction: A Cadaveric Study.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 19, no. 10 (October 1, https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.123477. When Structure & Function Education® teaches any technique, we always cover the safety
Dry Needling the Spine: A Closer Look at Safety and Technique Read More »
The field of sports medicine is a complicated tapestry made up of threads from numerous healthcare professions, including physical therapy, athletic training, and chiropractic. Although each discipline offers specialized knowledge, these occupations frequently function independently, which might impede collaboration and prevent the best possible patient care. In 2025, my blogs will focus on a solution
The holiday season is a time for singing songs, making cookies, and catching up on studies. Forget the five golden rings; we are opening something more critical this year. Twelve days of cutting-edge dry needling research. Consider this your gift guide for enhancing patient care in the coming year! Like the 12 Days of Christmas,
The 12 days of dry needling, a gift guide for 2024 Read More »
Dry needling has emerged as a popular intervention for musculoskeletal pain. This technique, involving the insertion of fine needles into anatomic locations around nerves and muscles, aims to alleviate pain and improve function.1–3 However, for individuals living with diabetes, this practice isn’t without its considerations and potential risks.4 Let’s delve into six critical factors that
The Top 6 Risks of Dry Needling for Individuals with Diabetes Read More »
Introduction to vibration therapy’s physiological impacts Vibration treatment works primarily through mechanical stimulation of muscle and neurological components. Whole body vibration (WBV) and focal vibration (FV) therapy are both types of vibration therapy that differ in how they deliver vibrations to the body and have differing effects.1 When administered, these vibrations cause rapid and repetitive
Top 3 reasons to use vibration therapy in rehabilitation Read More »
This is a comprehensive overview and evidence based practice review for treating low back pain using the Stecco developed model for the Fascial Manipulation Method®. After giving a brief history on the development pf the Fascial Manipulation Method® we will discuss the basic principles using in their training methodology and how it can be applied to treating low back pain.
Treating Low Back Pain with the Fascial Manipulation Method Read More »
Insights from the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport and the recent NATA’s Bridge Statement on Management of Sport-Related Concussion. As we approach the beginning of football season, we must review our EAPs and the recommendations for the care of our high-contact athletes. As athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals, staying current with the latest guidelines and best practices is crucial for providing the highest standard of care. The 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, held in Amsterdam in October 2022, has brought forth significant advancements in concussion management. This was quickly followed up by updates by the NATA through their bridge statement on the management of sports-related concussion. This blog will highlight key changes and offer practical tips for preventing and managing concussions in football.
Advancements in Concussion Management Read More »
