Pain Procedures
PERCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION (PENS)
A treatment used for the purpose of alleviating pain and improving posture and movement. It uses fine gauge acupuncture needles placed along the sides of the spine, and stimulated utilizing an electrical nerve stimulating unit. This office uses sterile, disposable needles and maintains a clean and safe environment. The needles are inserted through the skin into the underlying tissues and muscles. A twitch response may be obtained indicating a trigger point is released. Manual therapy techniques are often incorporated into treatment. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) is
NOT A FORM OF ACUPUNCTURE.
DRY NEEDLING TRIGGER POINT RELEASE
A solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle. Inserting a needle into trigger points can cause favorable biochemical changes, which assist in reducing pain. A local twitch responses, which are spinal cord reflexes, response with dry needling.
WHAT TYPES OF CONDITIONS CAN TDN ASSIST?
Neck
Back Pain
Knee Pain
Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis
Sciatica
Muscular Strains/Ligament Sprains
Chronic Pain
Athletic Performance
Acute Pain
Shoulder Pain
Tennis/Golfers Elbow
Headaches/Migraines
Hip and Gluteal Pain
Piriformis Syndrome
Chronic Stiffness
Tight Hamstrings & Calves
MECHANICAL EFFECTS
Dry Needling may mechanically disrupt a dysfunctional motor end plate
Needling results in a Local Twitch Response (LTR)
The LTR results in an alteration to muscle fiber length as well as having an inhibitory effect on antagonistic muscles
NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Baldry (2001) suggests that dry needling techniques stimulate A-nerve fibers (group III) for as long as 72 hours post needling
Prolonged stimulation of the sensory afferent A-fibers may activate the enkephalinergic inhibitory dorsal horn interneurons, which implies that dry needling causes opioid mediated pain suppression
Another possible mechanism of dry needling is the activation of descending inhibitory systems which would block noxious stimulus into the dorsal horn
The LTR may also utilize the excessive ACh in the tissue which previously was triggering increased firing of localized fibers
CHEMICAL EFFECTS
Studies by Shah and colleagues (2001) demonstrated increased levels of various chemicals at sensitized motor end plates such as: Bradykinin, Substance P and CGRP (regulator of Calcium and Phosphate balance). These chemicals were reduced immediately post a LTR
CGRP enhances the release of ACh from nerve terminals, which results in increased ACh receptors at the neuromuscular junction
Needle penetration will cause micro-trauma and micro bleeding (localized inflammation) and hence the introduction of PDGF into the area to help promote healing
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
We are looking to get improvements even from the first visit such as increased range of motion, ease of movement and decreased signs/symptoms.
CUPPING THERAPY
Cupping utilizes Suction Therapy to create increased blood flow to an area.
As a result, a healing response is initiated.
IMPROVES:
Aches & Pains
Scar Tissue
Muscle Tension
Circulation
RELIEVES:
Lactic Acid
Trigger Points
Stress
Inflammation
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Muscle energy techniques are used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain. Muscle energy techniques can be employed to reposition a dysfunctional joint and treat the affected musculature. Indications include, but are not limited to: muscular shortening, low back pain, pelvic imbalance, edema, limited range of motion, somatic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, cervicogenic headaches, and many others.
KINESIO TAPING
BIOFREEZE APPLICATION
SPRAY AND STRETCH
The spray and stretch technique quickly alleviates acute pain and restricted range of motion due to muscle trigger points. The application of a vapocoolant acts as a counterirritant to myofascial pain due to muscle spasm and trigger points.
JOINT INJECTIONS
Treat arthritis pain, bursitis, tendonitis, trigger finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Our injections can be performed without STEROIDS, to reduce the risk of joint damage or elevation of blood glucose levels.
TRIGGER POINT INJECTION
A treatment used for the purpose of alleviating pain and improving posture and movement. It uses fine syringe needles with the injection of an anesthetic such as Marcaine. This office uses sterile, disposable needles and maintains a clean and safe environment. The needles are inserted through the skin into the underlying tissues and muscles at specific points known as myofascial trigger points. When a twitch response is obtained the trigger point is released. Manual therapy techniques are often incorporated into treatment. No steroids are used to reduce the risk of elevation of blood glucose or muscle damage or skin color changes.
TENS TREATMENT
The use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. A non-invasive, low-risk nerve stimulation intended to reduce pain, both acute and chronic.
A few studies have shown objective evidence that TENS may modulate or suppress pain signals in the brain. For those that do not feel comfortable with needles, there is an alternative treatment available.
STRETCHING EXERCISE PROGRAMS