Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
A Revolutionary Approach to Pain Management
By Dr. Scott Bradley PT, DPT, ECS
Are you struggling with persistent muscle pain that just won’t go away? Edge Physical Therapy offers an innovative solution through dry needling therapy, a specialized treatment that’s helping countless patients find relief from chronic pain and muscle dysfunction. This modern therapeutic approach combines ancient wisdom with contemporary medical science to deliver remarkable results.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a skilled intervention performed by certified physical therapists that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points in your muscles known as trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy meridians, dry needling is grounded in modern Western medicine and targets musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions.
The term “dry” refers to the fact that the needles don’t inject any substance into the body. Instead, the needle’s presence creates a precise mechanical and neurophysiological effect that helps release muscle tension and promote healing.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
When your physical therapist at Edge Physical Therapy inserts a needle into a trigger point, it stimulates several therapeutic responses:
. Releases tight muscle bands and knots
. Improves blood flow to the affected area
. Reduces local and referred pain
. Decreases muscle tension
. Normalizes muscle function
. Promotes natural healing processes
. Stimulates the body’s pain-relieving mechanisms
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Treat?
This versatile treatment approach effectively addresses numerous conditions:
Musculoskeletal Issues
. Chronic back and neck pain
. Shoulder impingement
. Tennis and golfer’s elbow
. Hip and knee pain
. Muscle strains and spasms
. Plantar fasciitis
Neurological Conditions
. Headaches and migraines
. Sciatica
. Nerve compression syndromes
. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sports-Related Injuries
. Athletic performance issues
. Post-workout muscle soreness
. Sports-specific overuse injuries
. Recovery enhancement
The Edge Physical Therapy Difference
At Edge Physical Therapy, our certified practitioners combine dry needling with comprehensive physical therapy treatments to maximize your results. We create personalized treatment plans that may include:
. Targeted dry needling sessions
. Therapeutic exercises
. Manual therapy techniques
. Movement education
. Posture correction
. Pain management strategies
What to Expect During Treatment
Your dry needling session at Edge Physical Therapy will be conducted in a comfortable, clinical setting. The procedure typically involves:
1. A thorough evaluation of your condition
2. Careful identification of trigger points
3. Brief needle insertions lasting 10-30 minutes
4. Minimal to no discomfort during treatment
5. Immediate or gradual relief of symptoms
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
While dry needling is safe and effective for most people, it’s particularly beneficial if you:
. Have chronic muscle pain or tension
. Haven’t responded well to other treatments
. Want to improve athletic performance
. Seek natural pain management solutions
. Need to enhance your recovery process
Take the Next Step
Don’t let chronic pain hold you back from living your best life. Edge Physical Therapy’s expert team is ready to help you discover the benefits of dry needling therapy. Our evidence-based approach, combined with personalized care, ensures you receive the most effective treatment for your specific condition.
Contact Edge Physical Therapy today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting pain relief through innovative dry needling therapy.
PERSONALIZED PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS TAILORED FOR YOU
Scott Bradley
Physical Therapist/Clinic Owner
Mitchell Murphy
Physical Therapist/Assistant
Heather Guck
Physical Therapist/Assistant
239-244-3835
edgeptflorida.com
