IMS/TRIGGER POINT DRY NEEDLING
Assessment/evaluation
Each patient will be fully assessed and evaluated, including subjective history taking, objective tests and measures, and a detailed assessment of the findings. If the results yield trigger points and muscular pain, dry needling will be suggested as a course of treatment. Each treatment lasts 45-60 minutes and is one-on-one with a Physical Therapist.
IMS/Trigger point dry needling
IMS trigger point dry needling involves using a small filament needle inserted into the muscle to cause the muscle to contract. The needle is gently moved around to ensure all parts of the affected muscle are treated. The goal is to exhaust the muscle so it can no longer hold tension, thus eliminating pain. Patients are usually seen one time/week for 2-6 weeks, or until their pain has resolved. Positive results are typically apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, and overall health of the patient.
Self management
Patients will be educated and trained in self mobilization, stretching, and self release techniques, to supplement the treatment and assist the patient in maintaining long term results. The patient will also be trained in strength and stabilization exercises to manage muscle tone and optimize the health of the joint.
Questions and answers
real testimonials
'I hurt my back at work and spent over a year going through physical therapy, seeing different doctors and specialists, and getting an MRI. No one was able to get the pain from the injury to subside or go away. I was told I may have to live with the pain for the rest of my life. Heather talked me into trying IMS trigger point dry needling. I was skeptical, but at that point, I was willing to try just about anything. The day after the first session my back felt better than it had since the injury. With consistent, weekly appointments, the pain decreased and I was able to get back to doing all the things I normally would do before I got hurt.' - Doug E.
real testimonials
'For the last couple of years I have been receiving dry needling 4-6 times a year and can say that it is incredibly effective. I work two different seasonal jobs that are very physically demanding and have found that when my shoulder, back or neck get tight or sore the therapy that Heather provides gives relief the very next day. I would describe what she does as a needling massage, because she actually hunts for the knots and other issues like a massage therapist will, but uses needles to get at the problem on a deeper level. I can't say enough good things about the work that she has done. ' - Eric N.
Q & A
Does dry needling hurt?
Trigger point dry needling utilizes .25 mm filament needles. These are the same types of needles used in acupuncture. Most people do not feel the needle enter the skin. However, when the muscle is painful and involved, it is normal to feel a grabbing sensation that some people find uncomfortable as the needle is pushed into the muscle. As with any new treatment, there is significant up-front education to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Q & A
I am seeing a PT who doesn't do dry needling. Can I still see them, and do dry needling with you?
Yes. But I would check to be sure the PT you are seeing knows your plan and is on board. You can do regular PT and supplement with dry needling.
Q & A
Do you do anything other than dry needling?
Our primary focus is pain management treatments through needling, however, as with any pain relieving treatment, you will be given activities and stretches to do at home to assist the treatment and to help you better self-manage your symptoms.
Q & A
Do you work with post-surgical patients?
No, and yes. There are multiple PT clinics in town that perform post-surgical rehab as their primary focus. As my focus is pain management and dry needling, you would be better suited for another clinic. However, if you still have muscular pain months after surgery that has not been resolved, I would be happy to assess.
Q & A
Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?
No. It’s called dry needling because nothing is injected into the body with the needle. The tool used for dry needling and acupuncture is the same. However, beyond the tools utilized in each service, the similarities end. Where dry needling and acupuncture differ is the technique and theory for how and where the needles are placed. This is a medical treatment that relies on a medical diagnosis to be effective. Dry needling therapy is seldom performed as a standalone treatment without supplementary interventions and should always be implemented by skilled therapists in a professional setting. Acupuncture is designed to alleviate pain or treat health conditions by altering the flow of chi, while dry needling utilizes evidence-based techniques to treat specific conditions. Dry needling penetrates the skin at specific trigger points to release tension and induce a healing response. Acupuncture targets points along meridian lines, representing bodily organs, with the goal of restoring balance and proper energy flow to the patient’s body.
Contact Us
The personalized care you deserve
Please contact us directly with any questions, comments, or scheduling inquiries you may have.
Hyalite Physical Therapy
4055 Valley Commons Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States
Hours - By Appointment only
406.570.0813
Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
