Integrative Dry Needling Services
WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE DRY NEEDLING?
Integrative Dry Needling (IDN) uses thin filament needles to treat symptoms stemming from a variety of conditions. What makes our approach different is that we are viewing the clients condition with a neurologic approach in mind. Neurologic Dry Needling (NDN) is the evolution from needling painful points (myofascial trigger points) to needling the WHOLE system. NDN is utilized to treat all types of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. These conditions are not limited to orthopedics but are applicable to any condition where inflammation, reduced blood flow and muscle guarding is present. The NDN treatment system is based on both peripheral and central neurologic principles. Using the peripheral nerve mapping model allows a broader opportunity to deliver treatment locally, segmentally, and most importantly systemically.
Treatment of acute and sub-acute pain can respond favorably to dry needling that is focused locally i.e. at the site of pain. However, patient tolerance can be a limiting factor with a solely local approach that relies on the all or nothing production of a “twitch”. Failure of this approach may be related to excessive needling dosage required to obtain the goal of exhausting the muscle’s twitch response. The NDN model does not rely on this shot gun treatment approach; varied levels of stimulation and precise targeting of tissue allows a less vigorous dosage, reduced adverse events and better patient tolerance.
When pain transitions to recurrent and/or chronic a degree of central sensitization is likely so the treatment must be expanded beyond site specific needling. NDN provides a deeper understanding and a logical approach to targeting expanded areas of peripheral nerve entrapment, inflammation and central sites that facilitate and/or maintain the pain.
Our clients have found this approach to be powerfully effective, often providing immediate improvement in muscle function and pain reduction.
WHY IS IDN DIFFERENT THAN OTHER NEEDLING?
Integrative Dry Needling (IDN) addresses THE WHOLE body not just parts or regions of it. We address the many interconnecting mechanisms that are limiting your progress. Our approach has three elementss: local, segmental and systemic levels established by the founders of needling practice.
LOCAL: Painful Trigger Point (Travell)
SEGMENTAL: Neurosegmental Needling (Dr. Gunn)
SYSTEMIC: (Dr. Ma). IDN is based on leading-edge nervous system research using modern imaging techniques (FMRI) and incorporating new techniques and new clinical skills.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT?
Comprehensive clinical assessment:
History of current symptoms
Aggravating and easing factors
Medical history review
Physical assessment of movement deficits
Performance testing:
Quantitative Sensory Testing
Range of Motion
Muscle strength
Coordination
Balance/Gait assessment
Result:
A Customized You-centered Exercise Plan
After your clinical assessment, you and your physical therapist will work together to create a plan centered around you and getting back to a movement confident lifestyle you want.
We do not target specific muscles but instead directly address neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction via peripheral nerve mapping as an interrelated systemic issue.
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John Fiore, PT, DPT
IDN Certified