What is Dry Needling?

Levator scapulae trigger point pain pattern

Dry Needling is a procedure in which a needle, often an acupuncture 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.

How Does Dry Needling Improve Function?

Are you facing knee or hip replacement surgery and concerned about how long you’ll be out of action? Most patients require a 3 to 4 day stay in the hospital after knee or hip replacement surgery. However, many patients are too weak to be able to go home after discharge from the hospital. These patients require a transfer to a rehabilitation hospital in order to continue the recovery process. Anyone who has stayed in a hospital can give many reasons why they are not the most comfortable places to recuperate. Not the least of which is the bad food.

Reduce Your Hospital Stay with a Pre-surgery Exercise Program

A recent study found that participation in a 6 week exercise program prior to
surgery significantly reduced the odds of having to stay in a rehabilitation hospital.  We have included some sample exercises for you to try. We have included some sample knee exercises for knee and hip replacement candidates. (PDF 835 KB)

If you live in the Denver or Lakewood, CO area and are interested in an exercise program that is specific to your needs give us a call at (303) 274-2404.

This is a question I get asked a lot at various social gatherings.  A recent study supports our philosophy regarding exercises for low back pain.  This study concluded that “Motor Control Exercises” reduce persistent low back pain.

What Are “Motor Control Exercises” for Low Back Pain?

First a little anatomy:

The lumbar spine has 2 major muscle groups. The deepest of these 2 groups is the “Inner Unit”.  

The Inner Unit (Transversus Abdominus and Multifidus)

This group of muscles consists of the Transversus Abdominus and the Multifidus.  These muscles attach to each vertebrae in the ow back and are responsible for controlling movement of these vertebra.  The second group of muscles called the “outer unit”  consists of the bigger more powerful muscles that go from the rib cage to the pelvis.  These muscles are responsible for moving the entire spine.

Studies have shown that during normal movement the “inner unit” contracts first to stabilize each vertebrae then the “outer unit” contracts to move the entire spine.  These same studies have shown us that when a person with low back pain moves the “inner unit” does not contract until after the movement starts to occur.  This late contraction results in uncontrolled movement and low back pain.

OK… Enough anatomy!  What Are Motor Control Exercises?

“Motor Control Exercises” restore the normal contraction pattern by first learning how to isolate the “inner unit”.  Next, the patient is taught to contract these muscles in different postures, then later in more challenging activities.  This type of program requires a skilled physical therapist with the ability to identify the problem muscles then work closely with the patient to teach them how to get the muscles working properly again.

The therapists at Belmar Physical Therapy are trained in this specific skill. If you live in the Lakewood, CO area and would like help alleviating persistent low back pain give us a call at (303) 274-2404.

Jason Cherry, PT educates a patient on how to activate the "Inner Unit".

The patient is then taught to activate the "Inner Unit" in different postures.

Finally, the patient is taught how to contract the "Inner Unit" during functional movements.

Eccentric Exercises May Help You Recover from Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis causes pain in the tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heal.  Initially this pain is caused by inflammation.  However, recent research tells us that as time goes on the pain in the tendon is not caused by inflammation.  Rather the pain is caused by nerves growing into the tendon.

Recent research also shows us that as specific type of exercise can alleviate this painful condition.  This specific type of exercise consists of eccentric contractions of the calf muscle.  An eccentric contraction entails a slow lengthening of the muscle as it is contracting.  The exercises are outlined below.  Perform 3 sets of 15 repetitions 2 times per day.  You should notice an improvement within 6 weeks.

Also, remember that Achilles issues may be caused by a mechanical problem in the leg and this will need to be addressed to avoid re-injury.  We can help you treat and prevent re-injury at Belmar Physical Therapy.

When you can perform 3 sets of 15 easily with both
legs progress to single leg.