About Dry needling, Graston's technique, & VRT
What is dry needling?
Dry Needling involves insertion of monofilament filament needle into the muscle in the region of painful or taught muscle band, which are called as trigger points. The aim of dry Needling is to obtain a local twitch response to release muscle tension and pain. Dry needling is an effective treatment for chronic pain of musculoskeletal or neuropathic origin with very few side effects.
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What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
The objectives and philosophy of needle placement for dry needling by physical therapists is not based on ancient theories of traditional Chinese medicine. The performance of modern dry needling by physical therapists is based on western neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
However, the same monofilament needle is used in acupuncture and dry needling.
Are there any side effects to Dry Needling?
What are the side effects of dry needling.
Side effects may vary among individuals. Typically, mild muscle soreness or skin bruising may happen.
What is Graston’s Technique?
Graston’s Technique - is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to address scar tissue and fascial restrictions through comprehensive training. The technique uses specially-designed stainless steel instruments, along with appropriate therapeutic exercise, to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Clinicians use the Graston’s Technique protocol to treat dysfunctional areas deeper and in a more targeted manner than they can with their hands alone.
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What is the Kinesio Taping Method?
The Kinesio Taping Method causes physiological effects on several body systems. The systems affected by the body are thought to include the circulatory/lymphatic, neural, muscular, and fascial systems, as well as the joints. Kinesio Taping is used by therapists to change muscle tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patterns, and improve posture. The Kinesio Taping Method is a unique method of applying Kinesio Tex Tape in a specific manner to create change in the above mentioned systems.
What is Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a specific form of physical therapy designed to habituate symptoms, and promote adaptation to and substitution for various aspects of deficits related to a wide variety of balance disorders. VRT is effective in improving the functional deficits and subjective symptoms resulting from unilateral and bilateral peripheral vestibular hypo function as well as from central balance disorders.
What are the benefits of VRT?
Reduces the symptoms of disequilibrium and dizziness associated with vestibular pathology
Improve balance
Minimize falls
Decrease subjective sensations of dizziness
Improve stability during locomotion
Reduce over dependency on visual and somatosensory inputs
Improve neuromuscular coordination
Decrease anxiety and somatization due to vestibular disorientation.
What is BPPV?
BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO
BPPV occurs as a result of displaced otoconia, which are small crystals of calcium carbonate (also known as "otoliths" or “canaliths”) that are normally attached to the otolithic membrane in the utricle of the inner ear. Because of trauma, infection, or even simple aging, canaliths can detach from the utricle and collect within the semicircular canals. Movements of the head shift the detached canaliths and stimulate sensitive nerve hairs to send false signals to the brain, causing dizziness. The aim of the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), is to move the displaced canaliths to stop these false signals and the debilitating symptoms they can cause.