McKinney Physical Therapy

Dry needling is technique used by physical therapists to treat myofascial pain and soft tissue dysfunction. The term “dry” means a needle that does not have medicine or injection, therefore, dry needling refers to inserting a needle without medication into a muscle or tendon. The goal of dry needling is to increase range of motion and decrease pain. Dry needling is typically used in conjunction with other therapy techniques to help relieve pain and restore proper function of the muscle. Dry needling can also be referred to as functional dry needling or intramuscular manual therapy.

What conditions are treated with dry needling?

Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders by helping to relax muscle trigger points. Dry needling is an appropriate therapy to treat:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Ankle pain
• Hamstring problems
• Headaches
• Shin splints
• Sports injuries
• Muscle tightness

Is dry needling safe?

Since dry needling involves inserting needles directly into the muscle many people experience immediate relief and are able to move more freely. Dry needling is as safe as most other treatments used by a therapist who is properly trained in using the technique.

We provide quality, comprehensive treatment for patients who are injured or suffering from any type of movement or function disorder.

As a key member of today's dynamic health care team, we prescribe a goal-oriented program of evaluation, treatment, and prevention for our patient's specific needs. 

Conditions we treat include but are not limited to: 

• Orthopedic and sports injuries
• Pre/post surgical rehabilitation
• Back and neck injuries/pain
• Work injuries
• Auto accident injuries (Exclusions apply, please contact for more information)

The benefits of physical therapy include: 

• Relief of pain and muscle spasms
• Improved mobility and increased range of motion
• Increased or maintained strength and endurance
• Decreased swelling and inflammation of joints
• Decreased physical stresses

The McKenzie method for neck and lower back pain includes exercises tailored to the patient’s condition that will gradually centralize or remove pain. With the McKenzie approach a licensed physical therapist will perform an initial assessment and then tailor treatment and prevention strategies specific to each patient. These techniques are best learned with the help of a physical therapist trained in the method but once proper technique is learned, the patient is able to perform these exercises in the convenience of their home.

The goal of the McKenzie approach for neck and lower back pain is to centralize the pain by moving it from the extremities to the back. Since typically back pain is better tolerated than pain in the extremities the theory is that the therapist can then treat the source of the pain rather than just the symptoms. Other goals include:

• Help patients learn to manage their own pain
• Expedited reduction in pain
• Return to daily activities
• Help minimize future pain

Conditions treated with McKenzie approach include:

• Ankle pain
• Back pain
• Degenerative disc disease
• Knee pain
• Muscle spasms
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• SI joint pain
• Shoulder pain

Is the McKenzie approach for neck and lower back pain safe?

When performed by a licensed physical therapist the McKenzie Method is a safe and effective form of physical therapy.

The McKenzie method is offered in many of our clinics!