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Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury that result from a blow to the head, neck or body that may or may not result in loss of consciousness. Although many concussions resolve on their own, persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, or exercise intolerance may occur and require rehabilitation. Concussion symptoms can last from weeks to years and may require different methods of rehabilitation depending on symptoms. Concussion management is a multidisciplinary approach that is best managed by multiple disciplines with specific training in concussion management. 

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a wide span of injuries from concussions to neck/back pain to extremity pain. The course of care following a concussion can be long and difficult, but we are here to help you overcome this difficult time. We are well versed in management of whiplash and other orthopedic injuries that may result from a motor vehicle accident. 

With many years in the fitness industry and training in management of sports injuries, sports performance, and post operative care we are prepared to enable you to meet your goals. We are looking forward to help all levels of athletes from newbies to weekend warriors to seasoned athletes trying to optimize performance. Sport specific training available for: Soccer, track/sprints, and volleyball.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment technique that uses thin, solid needles (similar to acupuncture needles) to treat muscle pain and improve movement. The term "dry" means that no medication is injected—the needle itself provides the therapeutic effect.

During treatment, your healthcare provider inserts these needles into specific areas of tight, painful muscle tissue called myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are often described as "knots" in your muscles that can cause pain both at the site and in other areas of your body.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

Dry needling works through several mechanisms to reduce your pain and improve function:

• Releases muscle tension: The needle helps break up tight muscle bands and trigger points

• Reduces inflammation: Treatment decreases inflammatory chemicals in the painful area

• Activates natural pain relief: Stimulates your body's own pain-relieving systems

• Improves blood flow: Enhances circulation to promote healing in the treated area

What Conditions Can Be Treated?

Research supports dry needling for various musculoskeletal conditions across all body regions:

• Chronic low back pain

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Headaches (including tension-type and cervicogenic headaches)

• Muscle strains and sports injuries

• Myofascial pain syndrome

What Are the Benefits?

Clinical studies have demonstrated that dry needling can provide:

Pain Relief: Significant reduction in pain intensity within 72 hours of treatment, with effects lasting from weeks to months

Improved Function: Better ability to perform daily activities and reduced disability related to your condition

Enhanced Recovery: When combined with other physical therapy treatments like exercise and stretching, dry needling can accelerate your recovery

Long-lasting Effects: Benefits can persist for 3-6 months after treatment

What to Expect During Treatment

• Treatment sessions typically last 15-60 minutes

• You may feel a brief pinch when the needle is inserted

• A muscle twitch response is normal and indicates the trigger point has been reached

• Most treatment plans involve 1-2 sessions per week for several weeks

After Your Treatment

Immediately After: You may experience mild soreness at the needle sites, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours.

Managing Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice or heat application can help manage any temporary soreness.

Activity: You can usually resume normal activities the same day, though your provider may recommend specific exercises or stretches to maximize benefits.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

When performed by properly trained healthcare professionals, dry needling is a safe and effective treatment.

 Your provider has received specialized training in anatomy and needling techniques to ensure your safety.

Possible side effects are generally minor and may include:

• Temporary soreness at needle sites

• Minor bruising

• Mild fatigue

Serious complications are rare when treatment is performed by qualified practitioners.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

While both use similar needles, dry needling focuses specifically on treating muscular trigger points and is based on Western medicine principles of anatomy and physiology. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine concepts of energy flow and meridians.